January 10th, 2016

C M Y K

www.morungexpress.com

SunDAY • JAnuArY 10 • 2016

DIMAPUR • Vol. XI • Issue 8 • 12 PAGes • 5

T H e

ESTD. 2005

All emotion is involuntary when genuine Mexico nabs infamous drug lord ‘El Chapo’

By Sandemo Ngullie

o F

T R u T H

— Mark Twain

Child Scientists from Nagaland attend National Congress

PAGE 09

reflections

P o W e R

Sania-Martina clinch Brisbane International

PAGE 02

PAGE 12

climate change: nagaland sees shift in weather patterns Hailstorm affect power lines Morung Express New Dimapur | January 9

Saturday afternoon’s hailstorm disrupted power supply to a major portion of Dimapur as trees fell over power lines while several others went faulty. According to a power department official, feeders (power line) emerging from four major sub-stations – Nagarjan, Metha, Burma Camp and Industrial Estate were affected during the storm disrupting supply to several localities.

The worst affected was Metha sub-station as the main 33 Kv line from Nagarjan sub-station was snapped by a falling tree halting supply to localities in the main town area. Airport and Purana Bazaar feeders from Burma Camp went faulty affecting supply to a number of localities within town and beyond the Dhansiri River. An 11Kv line from Industrial Estate was also affected disrupting supply to the Lengrijan area, which was later restored.

The official said that department personnel were on the job to reactivate the damaged lines, while adding that a few were rectified by evening. The high tension 33Kv line from Nagarjan was restored around 9:00 pm. Work was ongoing to restore the Airport and Purana Bazaar feeders.

My 2016 plans for the Nagas? Look I am a Minister, I can’t disclose highly classified matter to the public!!

Governor’s Rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir

NEW DElHI/JAMMU, JANUARY 9 (IANS): Governor’s Rule was on Saturday imposed in Jammu and Kashmir, which is without a government following the death of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. “Governor’s Rule has been imposed in the State of Jammu and Kashmir,” said a union home ministry statement.

Informed sources in the state earlier said that Governor’s Rule had been imposed, but Raj Bhavan sources in Jammu told IANS that no such notification had been issued.

Though Sayeed’s daughter Mehbooba Mufti was set to succeed him as chief minister of the PDP-BJP coalition government in the state, she had refused to take oath before the traditional four day period of mourning ended. Sayeed had died in New Delhi’s AIIMS hospital on Thursday.

NSCN (R) refute allegation of recruiting drug addicts

C M Y K

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 9 (MExN): NSCN (R) on Saturday strongly refuted allegations that it was recruiting drug addicts across the opium belt of Arunachal Pradesh to broaden its extortion empire. A news report quoting officials in southern Arunachal Pradesh had alleged that NSCN (R) was recruiting drug addicts to control the state’s Longding, Tirap and Changlang districts. An MIP statement strongly refuted the allegation made and asserted that it was neither engaging nor recruiting drug addicts for any purpose. “We are for peaceful settlement of the Indo-Naga issue but it seems some people are against peace and against development of our people. They want that people should remain to be in trance so that they keep working as per their willful desire,” the MIP statement read. The NSCN (R), while appreciating the 1st Assam Rifles for nabbing anti-social elements involved in extortion in and around Tirap district and particularly in HQ Khonsa, said it had no link whatsoever with Wingan Agan and Damwang Bangsia, arrested by the security forces. “Many youths taken to drugs, opium are involved in carrying out extortion in the name of various organizations including the NSCN (R) to fulfill their day to day needs as they find it easy way of making money unmindful of the consequences,” it contended.

A road in Dimapur covered by hailstones on Saturday, January 9. Photo by Kikalemla Longkumer

Morung Express News Dimapur | January 9

Sudden rain accompanied by cold winds and hailstorm lashed Dimapur on Saturday afternoon, causing a major dip in the mercury level which brought chilly conditions in the commercial hub.

State capital Kohima, already gripped by a cold wave, also reported heavy rainfall and thunder storm in the evening plunging the temperature to the minimum degree Celsius.

This is the first showers of the year and despite the biting cold, many took it as blessing. Resi-

dents in a number of colonies were seen collecting rain water.

It is not just Nagaland but the entire North East region that is seeing minimum temperatures plunging to new levels and settling in single digits for the last few days, even reporting some record low temperatures.

On December 28, 2015 Kohima in Nagaland recorded night temperature at 1°C, which is the lowest minimum after 2009 when the State capital recorded sub-zero temperature.

Saturday’s unexpected rain and hailstorm has prompted concerns whether it was an impact of climate change or it was

just a one-off phenomenon. The Indian Institute of Science only recently cautioned Nagaland that it is vulnerable to climate change-accentuated by the dwindling forest area.

Hail storm or rain in January does not necessarily have to be attributed to climate change, according to Lochumi, SDO and in-charge of Meteorological department when contacted. Such weather condition can also be caused by sea depression, she maintained.

The SDO, however, voiced concern that Nagaland was certainly witnessing climate change, indicated by erratic

weather behavior.

“It is not necessarily about the weather being colder or becoming hotter. Climate change basically brings about unstable weather conditions,” Lochumi pointed out.

According to her, change in weather pattern is being experienced in Nagaland with December becoming colder during winter while temperature shoots up in January. “Going by our statistical distribution of weather pattern, January should be colder than December,” she said.

Fluctuating weather conditions is an indicator of the im-

pact of global warming and climate change.

In 2014, December, Lochumi revealed that the minimum temperature hovered around 5-6° Celsius in Dimapur. It suddenly shot up to a minimum of 8-10° Celsius in January 2015.

“This is an indication of climate change,” she pointed out.

The North East region usually witnesses minimum temperatures in double digits, ranging between 10° Celsius and 20° Celsius during December.

However, under the influence of climate change, this pattern has seen shifts with December reeling with minimum

temperature while January month which is expected to be colder have become warmer.

According to reports, since December 28, 2015 Kohima has been reeling with a minimum night temperature below 1° Celsius, which is the lowest minimum on record.

Nagaland has been witnessing frequent unusual weather pattern for some years. Increasing these would be the indications of climate change and would drastically impact the environment. In recent memory, the State witnessed unseasonal rain in December of 2010 and January, 2012.

499 persons arrested Nine injured in Williamnagar-Meghalaya blast in Kohima during 2015

KOHIMA, JANUARY 9 (MExN): In 2015, Kohima Police arrested 499 persons, and registered a total number of 352 cognizable cases from January to December in the district. This was informed today in a press note from the Sr Superintendent of Police, Kohima, Joseph Hesso.

Of the 499 persons arrested, Hesso informed that 466 are males while 33 are females. In addition, a total of 6 juveniles were also arrested in the year 2015 under various case connections.

The total number of cases registered against women was 50 out of which 24 are crime against women and 26 are crimes committed by women. Meanwhile, a total of 252 ILP defaulters were arrested during the year 2015 and were booked under section 3 and 4 of BEFR Act. Out of the 352 cognizable cases registered in the state capital, 161 were reported cases while 191 were of self detected (suo-motu) cases by the Kohima district police. Shedding light on the status of these cases, Kohima Police informed that chargesheets have been produced for 290 cases; final reports made for 31 cases, and another 31 cases are pending investigation.

The Sr SP further highlighted the ‘top six’ cases out of the 191 suo-motu cases (self detected cases). This includes the recovery of 56 (fifty six) stolen vehicles worth about Rs. 2.79 crores. The case involved 25 vehicles which were reported stolen from other states.

He mentioned the seizure of 6708 kgs of Contraband Ganja worth about Rs. 3 crores in the national market and 900 grams of Oipum worth Rs. 27,000/- in the national market. Also making the ‘top six’ list was the seizure of various brands of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) comprising of 36,847 bottles of various categories worth about Rs. 75 lakhs in the local market.

The Sr SP then highlighted the seizure of 1900 kgs of Gensing without valid permit and transit pass worth Rs. 57 lakhs in the local market; and seizure of various types of banned cough syrups and drugs worth Rs. 25, 70,300/- in the street market “3705 bottles (Approx) consisting of Roncodex, Codectuss and Phenyrex banned cough syrup /drugs and 2, 20,693 nos. of Spasmo Proxyvon and Nitrosun capsules.”

He then made mention of the seizure of 18 kilos of endangered Pangolin scales worth Rs. 12, 03,758/- in the national market.

The Sr SP meanwhile acknowledged the public for their support and asked for continued co-operation.

“Inspite of our shortcomings and failures we acknowledged the support and guidance provided by the citizens and through this we would like to convey our special thanks to the citizens particularly those who have helped us in prevention and detection of crimes and criminals in the township,” he said.

He further requested citizens to come forward and “correct us so as to improve our working system.”

“We also assure that we will give our best this year too in providing security and safety to the citizens and their properties. Help us to serve you better,” he added.

SHIllONg, JANUARY 9 (AgENCIES): Nine people were injured -- three of them critically -- when Garo militants triggered a bomb blast on Saturday in Williamnagar, the district headquarters of East Garo Hills in Meghalaya, police said.

The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) militants planted the bomb at a wine store at the Williamnagar market, Meghalaya Director General of Police Rajiv Metha told IANS. “Nine people, including a woman, were injured. Three of them are in critical condition and have been rushed to the Tura Civil Hospital in West Garo Hills dis-

trict,” Mehta said.

He said police evacuated the market area and launched a search operation to look for any other explosives. “The GNLA’s attack on civilians is an act of cowardice and desperation. The GNLA has been experiencing a series of desertions in the recent past due to intense police operations,” the police chief said.

Mehta said one of the perpetrators has been identified as Ajan Ch. Momin alias Jimmy, who was directed by Sohan D. Shira, the self-styled military wing chief of the GNLA. The GNLA, which claims to be fighting for a separate ‘Garoland’ in western Meghalaya, is headed by police officer-turned-rogue Cham-

pion R. Sangma, who is lodged in the Shillong jail after being arrested from near the India-Bangladesh border in 2012. The Garo Students’ Union (GSU) meanwhile condemned the attack today at the Williamnagar Bazar at around 12:3012.45 pm stating that this is an act of treason which seriously sets back the peace overtures extended by the Government of India (GoI) and Meghalaya Government.

“This kind of cowardly act is rendering the efforts of the NGOs to bring peace to Garo Hills useless,” general secretary of GSU John Miltu Sangma said in a statement.

“We request any group not to perpetrate such acts in the future

as it is an act of terrorism and callous treatment with the lives of the people. We also request the government to take extra measures to ensure such incidents are controlled and secure the lives of its citizens,” Sangma said.

The GSU further stated that horrendous acts of this nature bring hardships on its own people and it shows its lack of ideology and their desperation.

“There can be no such ideology which espouses terrible hardships and grievous injuries on its own people. In the long run, the development of Garo Hills is being set back for decades by such desperate measures,” he added.

nagaland street fashion showcased in london

Fabric of India exhibition displays street fashion from Nagaland

Images on display at the V&A: Man in Ao Naga Shawl. Chakhesang Naga girl at Hornbill Festival. Khrieleni Terhuja with a friend returning from the church on a Sunday in Dimapur. Photos by Manou

P

hotographs of street fashion in Nagaland, captured

by Manou, an Indian photographer, who runs the photo blog ‘Wearabout,’ are on display at the Fabric of India exhibition at the V&A Musuem, London.

Taking images across India, Manou, shows the continued use

of hand-made textiles in a regionally and socially diverse society.

The Fabric of India exhibition is a roundup of the importance of textiles in India, covering the history of textiles to 20th century clothes by contemporary Indian designers and Manou’s images are a final reflection on the pervasive, and per-

sistent nature of hand-made Indian textiles.

Suzy Menkes, the International Vogue editor, writes of the Fabric Of India exhibition as one of the most memorable shows of 2015 and mentions Manou who has spent months in Nagaland and few other North East states document-

ing street fashion. She says, “Most striking of all are the images from the street-style photographer, Manou, showing Indian clothes today - one of many gestures that bring the show to life.”

The exhibition started on October 3, 2015 and closes on January 10, 2016.

2

sunDAY 10•01•2016

NAGALAND

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

A combo picture showing parts of residence and road after hailstorm and heavy rains in Dimapur on January 9. (Morung Photo)

Child Scientists from Nagaland DBT to train 2600 youth in 2016 attend National Congress

Dimapur, January 9 (mExn): Eight child scientists from Nagaland attended the 23rd National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) held in Chandigarh University at Mohali in Punjab from December 27 to 31, 2015.

The eight participated under the aegis of the Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment and Social Welfare, Kohima.

According to a press release, over 2000 students from all over India and countries like the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar attended the Science Congress. Top scientists, bureaucrats and public luminaries from the country also took part in the five day event, the release informed.

The students from Nagaland presented their research projects along with all others during the Congress. They were all awarded medals and citations for taking part in the annual children’s mega science event.

The following are the names of the students who partook in the National Congress: Keneisenuo Caryn Kire and Nengliankim Mikhal Kamson

Child Scientists from Nagaland along with State Coordinator Santu Thapa and other escort teachers at the 23rd National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) in Chandigarh University, Punjab.

(Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima), Shoniu Shiu and Tungam Rokam (Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima), Nguluonuo (Christ King Higher Secondary School, Kohima), Bendangtoshi Longkumer (Bethel Higher Secondary School, Kohima), Temjenmenla (Holy

Family School, Kohima) and Nilotoli (Cornerstone School, Zunheboto).

Two other child scientists – Chumbeno (Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima) and Mayanglila Longkumer (Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Kohima) – represented Nagaland in the Indian

Science Congress which was held at Mysore University in Karnataka from January 3 to 7.

The National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) is a program of the National Council for Science & Technology Communications under the Department of Science & Technology, Government

of India. It is aimed to infuse in children the spirit of innovation in the field of science and technology. It involves carrying out small research activities of school level. The Nagaland Institute of Health, Environment & Social Welfare is the organizer of this program for Nagaland.

Dimapur, January 9 (mExn): Don Bosco Tech Society, Dimapur region aims at training 2600 less privileged unemployed youth and provide them job placement under “MISSION 2016”. This was decided during the annual meeting of Don Bosco Tech Dimapur region on 4-5 January 2016 at its regional head office at AIDA, Dimapur.

“We want to train and provide job placement to 2600 less privileged youth with minimum education qualification through the 10 Don Bosco skill training cenrtes in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Upper Assam, Nagaland and Manipur,” said Bro. Sunny Joseph, who is the Dimapur Regional Director of Don Bosco Tech. “This is part of Don Bosco Tech’s ambitious plan of skilling 2 million youth across India by 2022,” he further added.

To reach this target each of the 10 skill training centres are given target. Employment oriented skill training is provided for two months and successful candidates are given job placement. “We have placed our candidates in companies such as Taj

group of hotels, JW Marriott, Radisson Blue, Le Meridian, Jiva Spa and so on.

Though they are from very rural background at the end of two-month training these youth are ready for work anywhere in the country and in companies of international standards”, Bro. Sunny added in his presentation to the training faculty during the two-day meeting. Emphasizing the priority of making the rural youth self-dependent and productive members in society he said that by 2018 Don Bosco Tech Dimapur region target to have 25 skill training centres under its operational area. It was decided that each training centre will adopt a district for skill training.

The two-day meet began with a key note address by Fr. Nebu Mathew, the administrator of Salesian province of Dimapur.

In his key note address Fr. Nebu called upon the training faculty to believe in the inner quality of the youth they train. “The youth whom you train may be from poor background with less education qualification but they are capable of turning around the hostile situation provided

they are given right atmosphere. You can do that”, he said.

In Nagaland, Don Bosco Tech is engaging with Axis Bank Foundation in skilling the youth. Since June 2011 Don Bosco Tech in Nagaland has trained 2956 young people and placed 2229 of them. In 2016 Don Bosco Tech has a plan to train 1000 youth in Nagaland. Don Bosco Tech is a network of more than 300 skill training centres spread across 29 states in the country making it the largest NGO engaged in livelihood training in India. 546 hours of training including 60 hours of soft skills are provided to the trainees.

Don Bosco Tech was established in 2006 as a social organization under aegis of Salesians of Don Bosco for the explicit purpose of providing employability skills to the needy youth with 300 plus centres across 29 states with more than 1650 staff.

Don Bosco Tech works with 75 network partners to actualize the mission of skilling India. Don Bosco’s stakeholders include government, NGOs, corporate entities, civil society and like-minded organizations.

CSU elects new team

Chozuba, January 9 (mExn): The Chakhesang Students’ Union today elected a new team of executive council for the tenure 2016-18. Dode Nakro and Nuvokho Rhakho were elected as President and General Secretary respectively among the others. The election for the same was held during its 69th General Conference at Chozuba.

NPF 9th Kohima informs

Kohima, January 9 (mExn): The NPF 9th Kohima Town AC will be organising the upcoming 4th Inter ward Competition 2016 from February 1 to 9 at Kohima Local Ground for Men Football Competition, Women Volleyball Competition and in the State Academy Hall Kohima, the Women Group Singing Competition and Band Competition. For further information, one may contact 9436005340 and 8974390620.

WACBCC annual council from today

Dimapur, January 9 (mExn): The Western Area Chakhesang Baptist Church Council annual council will be held on January 9 and 10 with Rev. Dr. V K Nuh and Rev. Bonny P. Resu as speakers at the CBC, Toulazouma village, Dimapur district. On the first day registration of delegates would begin by 12 noon and the gospel service would be held at 3:00 pm. All the concerned members of the 15 churches under WACBCC are requested and reminded to attend the same.

FELICITATION

Alongwith the family members, all the descendants of Late Rev.Ajangto Aonok, hereby extend our heartiest congratulation to Dr. GRACE AONOK, d/o Mrs. Asangla and Dr.L.Sunup Aonok on successfully earning the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in English from the North Eastern Hill University on the thesis “A Poetic Odyssey: A critical study of the Evolution of poetry in English from North East India”.

Grace, we always knew that you could do it and join with you in thanking the Almighty God for enabling you to achieve it.

Sd/Mr.I.Wapang Aonok, President Rev Ajangto’s Descendants’ Fellowship

Ten National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers from Dimapur Government College along with a Programme Officer represented Nagaland in the Inter-State Youth Exchange and Home-Stay Programme at Youth Hostel, Mapusa, Goa from December 13 to 22. The exchange programme was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Sriperumbudur, in association with NSS Regional Directorate of Pune and Govt. College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Quepem, Goa.

A project belonging to two students – Cadet Mari Riba and Cadet Punyo Rika – of Sainik School Punglwa on the topic ‘Electromagnetic Train’ has been selected to be presented at the National Level CBSE Science Exhibition-2016. The selection was made during a three-day CBSE Regional Level Science Exhibition-2015, hosted by South Point School, 21 Barsapara in Guwahati which concluded on December 23, 2015. Around 134 students from 42 schools in North Eastern Region participated in the regional level exhibition.

KCYA celebrates Golden Jubilee

Khonoma, January 9 (mExn): The Catholic Youth Association of Khonoma celebrated its Golden Jubilee with Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima as the main celebrant on January 9 with many priests concelebrating the Mass. The Jubilee theme was “The Capacity we have comes from God.” 2Cor. 3:5 Rev. Fr. Paul Thungbemo, Principal Queen Mary Hr. Sec. School, Mokokchung, unfurled the Jubilee flag and the Jubilee Choir sang the Jubilee anthem.

The Eucharist began with the lighting of the Jubilee lamb by Krusalie Petrus Sophi, the Catechist. Megokolie George Pier accorded the words of welcome and delivered the Jubilee greetings.

Bishop in his homily said that the youth today are also confronted with movements that promote spirituality apart from the Church, the sacraments and worship. Bishop urged to rediscover the content of faith

and lead into a radical new life in Christ, withstanding all the worldly attractions.

Vihulie Victus translated the Bishop’s homily. The Jubilee Choir of Catholic Youth Association, Khonoma sang songs during the Holy Mass. They also presented a special song during the felicitation programme. Bishop released the Jubilee Souvenir.

Keviseto Kenneth and Cakholie Christopher proposed vote of thanks in different programmes.

Mhiesinguto Mark and Medozevi Christopher were the anchors for different programmes. There was also a session in the afternoon during which Rokosekho Ronald Meru was the resource person. Baptist Khriesarüü Krotho (BKK), Khonoma presented the special item. The programme ended with the jubilee meal served to all.

This was stated in a press release issued by Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Secretary to Bishop.

Jubilee Choir of Catholic Youth Association, Khonoma present songs during the Holy Mass.

SunDAY 10 •01•2016

NORTH-EAST

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

KSO, ANSAM reminds Mnp govt of deadline over contract teachers

Imphal, January 9 (una): The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur and Kuki Students’ Organization-GHQ today reminded the Manipur state Government of its January 21 deadline over the Hill Schools contract teachers, 2006 batch.

The two student bodies took up the issue of contract teachers 2006 batch which has been pending for a long time despite repeated appeals to the Manipur State Government by scores of hill and valley based Civil Organisations to absorb the teachers who have tirelessly rendered their services, a joint press statement of ANSAM and KSO-GHQ stated.

The joint statement reiterated the demands mentioned in their earlier memorandum submitted to the state Chief Minister on December 14 last and

cautioned that it would be compelled to resort any form of democratic agitation if the State Government fails to redress the matter within the stipulated time.

It claimed that the state Government had assured to meet the educational needs of the hill schools and to fill up the vacant posts on regular basis through recruitment.

However the Government has no concrete solution till date, the two student bodies maintained.

The consultative meeting of the student bodies also declared to agitate if the Government fails to give positive response in time, the statement warned.

Pointing out that the State Government has remained largely “unbothered” by the issue despite the JAC of contract teach-

ers launching sit-in-protests, economic blockades, calling a bandh on the National Projects, 72 hrs interstate bandh etc, the bodies termed it “injustice” on the part of Government of Manipur and warned that the issue may turn “unfortunate” if the concerned authorities do not take the issues seriously and solve the problem as soon as possible.

The student bodies noted that despite all the standing MOUs and its subsequent development, the hill schools contract teachers 2006 batch have for a long time given regular service and are suffering tooth and nail by sacrificing their careers to cater to the educational needs of the hill schools.

Pointing out that contract teachers were appointed and engaged by the Directorate of Educa-

tion (S) Hills under the MOU signed between the Government of Manipur and ATSUM in the year 2006 to cater the educational needs of the Hills Schools, the two student bodies asserted that the MOU “clearly reads” that the service of the Teachers appointed on contract basis will be utilized until the posts are filled up on regular basis through normal recruitment or special drive.

ATSUM and KSO further stated that the appointments and engagement of this contract basis teachers were made after due Advertisement and also obtaining the finance memo from Finance Department, Govt. of Manipur. In addition to this, Professional Tax have also been levied and taken from the aforesaid contract basis teachers, it disclosed.

It also alleged that the service extension order of this contract basis teachers and payment of remuneration was made only up to 2008. And thereafter no extension order had been made despite of rendering their valuable service for the past many years.

The two student bodies also pointed out that many Government schools in the hill districts have become paralyzed and defunct due to acute shortage of teachers and despite the fact that a number of teachers have been recruited under SSA and RMSA, there is still an acute shortage of teachers in the hill schools.

In the wake of this, a joint consultative meeting of ANSAM, KSO, GHQ and JAC of contract Teachers will be held at TRI Complex, Chingmeirong, Imphal on January 13 at 11 a.m.

Police to approach Interpol for Tripura CM's fake FB account agartala, January 9 (IanS): The Tripura Police is likely to approach Interpol to probe the fake Facebook account opened in the name of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, an official said here on Saturday. This is the second time in last week the state police have registered a case after a similar misdeed in October 2014.

"Police officials immediately launched a probe into the opening of a fake Facebook account in the name of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar in October 2014. Last week, we came to know that the matter has to be referred to Interpol office in California," a senior police official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

"The state law department would submit a proposal in this regard before the cabinet and after the cabinet approval, the matter would be referred to the union home ministry which would forward the case to

Relief material for quake-affected people in Manipur Gogoi welcomes Prez's Imphal, January 9 are beyond the financial capac- eventuality of another tremor, directive to Governors (IanS): Manipur's Deputy ity of the state, then we will ap- people should move to higher Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Saturday visited Tamenglong district, where the epicentre of the January 4 earthquake was located, and distributed relief material to the quake-affected people. Over 300 people are currently staying in relief camps in the district.

For the first time on the part of the state government, Gaikhangam on Saturday distributed over Rs.3 lakh in cash for the rehabilitation of the people, and also blankets and other relief material.

"The state government shall extend all possible assistance to the victims. If the relief measures

proach the union government.

There is no difference on issues concerning rehabilitation," said Gaikhangam, who is also the state Congress president.

The minister, district collector M. Luikham and other officials visited the families.

Geologists from Delhi University, who visited the district on Saturday, said that after an earthquake it was natural for springs to emerge and for mild movements in the earth.

Based on the findings of experts, Gaikhangam said there is no dirty water spring polluting nearby water holes.

The experts said that in the

ground which has less chance of caving in.

Meanwhile, a BJP team led by Prahlad Singh Patel, the party's national secretary in charge of the northeast, visited Noney and nearby areas and interacted with the people.

BJP leaders have said the Manipur government has not doled out enough relief material. "The BJP has been doing everything possible for the affected people," legislator Thongam Bisajit said.

The government, meanwhile, asked owners of highrise buildings in Imphal town to furnish information about their structures.

guWahatI, January 9 (ptI): Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today welcomed President Pranab Mukherjee's directive to the Governors to stick to the Constitution. The directive from the President to the Governors to respect the distinct authority and responsibility vested in each of the organs of the State and to perform their duties within the Constitutional framework has come at a right time following the overstepping of Constitutional limits by some Governors, Gogoi said in a statement.

"The manner, in which some Governors are mired in contro-

versies for acting as agents of the RSS than Constitutional heads of their respective States, have brought disgrace to the high constitutional posts," he said.

In the backdrop of controversies involving some governors like those from Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura, the President yesterday asked Governors to perform their duties within the framework of Constitution. In his New Year message to the Governors through video conferencing from Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mukherjee said they should respect the distinct authority and responsibility vested in each of the three organs of the State.

Centre to look into Sangai Wildlife enthusiast rescues rare bird in Arunachal January 9 day, purchased the bird for head is bluish black with a search for food in open arProject: Union Minister Itanagar, (tnn): The resolution ad- Rs800 from an old woman red face and a narrow pro- eas, early in the mornings.

Imphal, January 9 (una): Union Minister of Forest and Environment in-charge Climate Change Prakash Javadekar today assured that the Centre will look into proposals for developing National Park as National Sangai Project and National Heritage site at Keibul Lamjao.

Before departing for Aizawl this morning, the Union Minister visited Keikul Lamjao and Thanga areas with BJP state leaders M Asnikumar, L. Bashanta Sharma, general Secretaries, M Dhanabir and K Robindro along with officials of Forest and Environment department.

Later briefing media persons, the Union Minister informed that he had discussed the up-gradation of Keibul Lamjao into Sangai National Project. In this regard, Javadekar asked the concern department and Govt. of Manipur to submit a proposal to the Ministry so that his ministry can take up the matter.

Pointing out that Keibul Lamjao needs help from DoNER Ministry, the Tourism Ministry and the Environment Ministry, Javadekar maintained that if the three Ministry work together, it would ensure the protection while also aiding in reviving the Sangai species. If implemented, the livelihood of the people and eco-tourism will also develop in the area, Javadekar pointed.

The Brow Antilate Deer, locally known as Sangai, is native to Manipur and is found only in Keibul Lamjao.

On the National Heritage Site, the Union Minister disclosed that a decision could be taken only after compliance of proposal is received. Javadekar also called for protecting the Loktak Lake and Phumdi.

Javadekar during his visit to Keibul Lamjao released the annual Environment department Calendar. Further he made assurances to the local womenfolk that the various grievances of people living around the Loktak Lake would be looked into.

opted by a social welfare organization to put a curb on the consumption of wildlife meat has yielded results. An animal lover has rescued an endangered bird and handed it over to the Itanagar Biological Park (IBP) authorities here on Friday.

Arunachal Press Club (APC) president Chopa Cheda, while coming from Seppa in East Kameng district to the state capital on Thurs-

from a place in between Relloh and Sagalee. The woman caught the bird in a forest and was looking for potential customers.

The black-breasted Khalij Pheasant (Lophura Leucomelanos Lathami) was handed over to the IBP curator, Raya Flago. The rare bird is included in the Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The males are purple black. The

jecting crest. The feathers are rounded. The upper parts are glossy blue black with a purple sheen, except the concentric barring on the lower back and rump.

The females are brownish in colour, each feather tipped to a lighter shade and the tail-feathers black, except the top or central pair.

These birds keep in pairs or small groups and

Assam govt to set up centre to coach tea tribe students guWahatI, January 9 (ptI): Assam government will set up a state level academic centre to impart coaching to students hailing from the tea community, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has said. According to an official release, Gogoi met a delegation of the Assam Tea Tribes Students' Association (ATTSA) last evening and discussed a range of issues.

"In course of the hour-long discussion, Gogoi assured the delegation that a state level academic centre would be set up in Guwahati to impart coaching to the students of tea community so that they can compete in competitive examinations," it said.

Gogoi said the government is also mulling the idea to set up study cen-

tres in the sub-divisions as well as district headquarters for the same purpose. He said the government will take steps to further improve health facilities in the tea gardens.

"Deputy Commissioners have been directed to monitor the implementation of the Plantation Labour Act and to take stringent punitive action against those managements, who failed to comply with the provisions of the Act," the Chief Minister said.

Gogoi assured the delegation that the government will look into their other demands that include creation of a special package for revival of 15 gardens under Assam Tea Corporation, setting up a hospital in the tea gardens and enhancement of wages.

They are very shy and scuttle for cover at the slightest hint of alarm. Earlier on June 1, 2013, Cheda had donated a monitor lizard (Voranus Bengalensis), a Schedule I animal, to the park, which was caught in his residence.

Flago thanked Cheda on behalf of the environment and forest department, appreciating his efforts in rescuing the bird.

Ex-CPI (M) MLA held in molestation case agartala, January 9 (ptI): Former CPI (M) MLA Manoranjan Acharjee was arrested in a molestation case on Saturday, a day after Tripura Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes over the Opposition's demand for his arrest.

Acharjee was asked to come to Amarpur police station in Gomati district and was arrested following questioning, Superintendent of Police (Police Control) Uttam Bhowmick said.

An FIR, lodged last month, accused Acharjee of molesting an eight-year-old girl inside a party office at Amarpur. CPI (M) state committee member Manoranjan Acharjee was expelled from the party on charges of moral turpitude on December 10 last.

Campaigning for Manipur municipal polls ends Imphal, January 9 (IanS): The campaigning for 18 municipal councils and eight nagar panchayats spread over 40 assembly segments in the four valley districts of Manipur came to an end on Saturday.

The polls will be held on Monday.

Though there was no official report of pre-poll violence, there were reports at some places of minor incidents including alleged firing at a political worker.

But police said no FIR was lodged about any major incident.

State Home Minister Gaikhngam said: "Security measures have been taken up to ensure an incident-

free polling. All licensed guns have been collected and additional forces deployed in the valley districts. We hope there will be no untoward incident."

The neck and neck fight is between the ruling Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The local body elections are crucial for both the parties.

The outcome will forecast the beginning of the end of the Congress, which has been in power for the third consecutive term, if it cannot win the working majority.

At the same time, it will also indicate whether the BJP can wrest the political power from the Congress.

There are 279 seats. The BJP is fielding 181 candidates while the Congress is fighting 199 seats.

The BJP has been without a legislator or MP for a long time and in by-polls held at the Hiyanglam constituency, held on October 17, 2014, the BJP candidate lost to the Congress. It was despite the fact that since the constituency had just 24,492 voters the BJP candidate Dhanabir Maibam had to secure just a few thousands of votes as there were five candidates.

In November 2015 by polls, the BJP won both seats at Thangmeiband and Thongju. The party then said in the March

2017 elections it will come to power.

PCC president Gaikhangam, who is also the deputy chief minister, said: "There was no BJP wave.

The victory was due to some factors." It is no accident that as in all past elections the national leaders of the BJP have been coming to Imphal.

But they always make a point to be closeted with the BJP state president Thounaojam Chaoba and other stake holders in the party office. Sources said that elections matters topped the agenda.

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said: "The Congress is the oldest

party associated with every event of the country.

People in Manipur support it and that is why this party created political record as the only one which has been in power for over 14 years."

Deputy Chief Minister and PCC President Gaikhangam said: "There is no (Narendra) Modi wave in Manipur."

BJP state president Chaoba has been concentrating on the alleged corruptions under the Congress "misrule".

"If the party wins, corruptions of all sorts in general and the Rs 400 crore scam in clearing the water hyacinth in the Loktak lake

3

will be exposed and the corrupt elements sent to jail," he said.

Chaoba said: "The Congress government is dividing the elected members.

A member of the Municipal Council gets an honorarium of Rs 3000 per month and a Nagar Panchayat member Rs 1500.

On the other hand, a member of the ADC equivalent of the Municipal Council member in the hills gets Rs.10,000 per month."

The chief minister said: "In a small place like Manipur, people know who is corrupt and not. There is no wrong doing and that is why no inquiry was ordered."

Manik Sarkar

Interpol," the official added.

He said the police have taken suo motu cases after learning that a fake Facebook account was opened in October 2014 in the name of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.

"The latest attempt to open a fake Facebook account in the name of chief minister last week would also be clubbed with the first one. The fake accounts were operated from abroad," the official said, adding cases were registered with the West Kotowali police station here.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police K. Nagraj said: "The Tripura Police is developing a full-fledged wing of cyber crime. We believe that we would soon get a breakthrough into the offence." Police found many postings were made in the bogus Facebook accounts.

W h e n c o nt a c t e d , Sarkar told reporters he had neither any mail ID or Facebook account nor has he given permission to anyone to open mail ID or Facebook account.

Ten Assam Council Members flee to Kolkata guWahatI, January 9 (nIE): Ten executive members (EMs) — all from the BJP — of an autonomous council in Assam on Friday fled to Kolkata fearing for their lives following the “Army-style” functioning of its chief executive member. Niranjan Hojai, who heads the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, was the “Commander-inChief” of now-disbanded insurgent group Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel faction), which held the Dima Hasao district to ransom for a good many years by unleashing a reign of terror.

The ten BJP EMs, including Jewel Garlosa, who was the chairman of the insurgent group, are mounting pressure on the BJP state leadership seeking Hojai’s ouster.

They are miffed that he was running the council like an autocrat. “We want Hojai to go. He is running the council in his own way. How can we work with him when fellow members are being intimidated? There is no democracy at all.” Garlosa told Express from Kolkata.

Blast at Manipur doctor's house Imphal, January 9 (tnn): Tension gripped Imphal West's Khongman area after suspected rebels exploded a hand-grenade inside the residence of Ch Manglem Singh, a retired professor of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) here, at 11.30 pm on Thursday.

Though no one was injured, window panes, some furniture and walls of the house were damaged. A police team reached the spot and carried out a search of the area but no one was arrested. Local women staged a demonstration in the area on Friday in protest against the incident.

Meanwhile, an Assam Rifles jawan shot at and injured the commandant of the unit at Sendra in Bishnupur district on Friday morning, a source said and added that the jawan was in the force's custody. The officer, who was wounded in his leg and hand, was underground treatment at the military hospital near Imphal. It is yet to be ascertained whether the firing was accidental or deliberate.

attentiOn ! attentiOn !

A Naga Guest House is opened at GANESHGURI CHARALI, G.S.ROAD, GUWAHATI. It is within walking distance from/to International Hospital, Dispur Hospital and Nightingale (ENT) Hospital. It offers clean and hygienic Naga food, Indian food, A/C. Rooms with attached bathrooms at reasonable charges.

Contact:  9402696117, 9856822951

ZiOn hOSPital & reSearch centre

UROLOGIST FOR CONSULTATION/OPERATION Dr. JOY N. CHAKRABORTY MS, DNB (Surgery), DNB (Urology), FRCS renowned Endourosurgeon from Guwahati will be available for consultation on 20th January 2016 (Wednesday).

Patients requiring Consultation/Operation for Urinary problems, Prostate, Kidney & Bladder Stone may contact the Reception for Registration.

For Registration, please contact:  03862 – 231864, 227337, 224117 For more information, visit our website: www.zhrc.in

Oriental theOlOgical Seminary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION – 2016-17 PROGRAMS OF STUDIES Master of Divinity (MDiv): Three-Year Program The MDiv degree is the core program of the seminary and is designed for academic competency and professional ministry.

The MDiv program is tailored for students with a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a recognized college/university.

Master of Theology (MTh): Two-Year Program The MTh degree is a two-year advanced research program with an MDiv/BD degree as its pre-requisite. The program offers major areas of specialization in Biblical Studies, Theology and Ethics, Christian History, and Applied Theology.

Dates of Interview – March 19, 2016 & May 31, 2016 For application information, contact: Academic Office Oriental Theological Seminary Post Box – 64, Bade, Dimapur 797112 Nagaland, India Phone: +91 - 9856888086/9856888087 Email: ots.nagaland@gmail.com Application Forms can also be downloaded online at: www.otsnagaland.edu.in

4

SunDAY 10 •01•2016

Business

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

ONGC gas find could be four times bigger than India’s previous No. 1 New Delhi, JaNuary 9 (ageNcies): Flagship explorer ONGC has struck a gas reserve in the form of hydrates - otherwise known as ‘fire ice’ off the Andhra coast that could turn out to be four times larger in terms of yield than Reliance Industries Ltd’s discovery of 2002, India’s biggest so far.

The discovery was made in August last year by the second exploratory expedition under the government’s gas hydrate programme in collaboration with scientists from US and Japan, which have separately inked research MoUs with India.

The discovery validates the government’s stress on finding alternative sources of energy and efforts to attract investments in the exploration business. It would also be a boost for PM Modi

as he moves to promote a gas-based economy in tune with India’s commitment to mitigate climate change. Irrespective of the current depressed oil and gas price price scenario, which makes fresh investments unviable, the hydrates discovery would put India back in reckoning in terms of prospectivity . It would also return the spotlight on the eastern offshore, described as `India’s gas bowl’ and `India’s North Sea’ after Reliance’s gas discovery.

The region lost its glory in the aftermath of output falling from Reliance’s field.

Sources in the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, the oil ministry’s technical arm co-ordinating the gas hydrates programme, said the discoveries have been made in Blocks 982, D3, D6 and D9 in the

Krishna-Godavari basin, off the Andhra coast.These blocks are 30 Kms south-west of Reliance industries Ltd’s natural gas block KG-D6.

Broadly , commercially useful gas hydrates are formed when methane or natural gas get trapped in icicles. These are found at places with extreme cold temperatures such as the Arctic region, Alaska and Siberia; or below seabed under high pressure of water depth.

We pray by the time exploration takes place next Govt should not be formed by Mafia Queen to give away to a Corporate this gas free of cost.

There are two main technologies being successfully tried to free gas - either by depressurising or injecting CO2 which replaces gas in the icicles.

But there’s a catch. Or two.

Cost of production is a worry , especially in a depressed market. Technology for producing gas from hydrates is still in pilot stage - though considerable success in Japan, US and Canada gives hope. Indeed, Japan has declared it would start commercial gas production from its offshore hydrates from 2020 after proving commerciality of the technology by 2018.

ONGC intends to benefit from Japan’s experience and technology by starting pilot production from its discovery from 2017.The sources put the initial reserves potential of the hydrates at 134 tcf (trillion cubic feet). Even if ONGC manages to pump out a tenth of the reserves, the discovery could yield nearly 13 tcf of gas against RIL’s 9 tcf.

Railway passenger fares may go up New Delhi, JaNuary 9 (The hiNDu): The ministry is looking at several tough measures to augment revenue apart from cutting costs. Passengers may have to pay higher fares following the finance ministry’s recent decision to cut gross budgetary support to railways ministry by Rs.12,000 crore, a senior government official said.

“The finance ministry has advised us to mobilise our own resources. That can happen if we increase the volume of passengers and freight. For freight, barring coal, the core sector is not so robust with cement, steel and construction sectors performing poorly. We may have to look at the bitter pills of increasing the passenger fares apart from cutting costs,” said the official.

“We have taken up the matter with the ministry of finance and hopeful that our budgetary support will be restored,” the official added. Last year, till December, the ministry of railways had spent 69 per cent of the budgetary outlay of Rs.30,100 crore.

The gross budgetary support constitutes more than 40 per cent of the ministry of railways’ total plan outlay of Rs.1,00,011 crore for this financial year. Ministry of Rail-

around 40 per cent of the total outlay,” said a senior railway ministry official.

More than 25 per cent of the railways’ gross earnings come from passenger earnings and around 65 per cent from the freight. Official data showed the core infrastructure sectors contracted by 1.3 per cent in November this year against growth of 3.2 per cent in the previous month.

“The Railways, at least directionally is on the right track…

But movement needs to be a little expedited,” Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, had said on Tuesday.

Another railways ministry official said it was way ahead in its spending till December-end. “We had targeted to spend around 55 per cent and we have already spent around 67 per cent of the budgetary support. So the pace of work is alright,” the official said.

A recent note released by the railways ministry on setting up a Rail Development Authority of India mentioned that scope of increasing freight tariff is very less even as the traffic is moving to the road sector. The total share of railways in the total transportation of freight traffic has declined from 89 per cent in 1950-51 to 36 per cent in 2007-08.

way officials said the funding cuts may affect ongoing railway projects and the government may consider increasing passenger fares to generate revenues.

Recently, the government had increased Tatkal booking charges by up to 33 per cent for travel in sleeper class, ACIII tier, AC-II tier and executive class. The finance ministry informed the Railways that Plan Expenditure in the Revised Estimates for 2015-16 is fixed at Rs. 28,000 crore as opposed to the budgetary support of Rs. 40,000 crore it had been granted, sources said.

The finance ministry has cited the slow pace of expenditure by the Railways for the cutback and also asked the public sector behemoth to meet its revenue expenditure from its revenue receipts. According to official estimates, the ministry of railways had spent Rs.22,204 crore, accounting for over 56 per cent of the total central funds of Rs.40,000 crore till November this year.

“We are well on track in meeting our plan expenditure. In fact, till December the early estimates show we have already spent around Rs.27,000 crore. “The expenditure generally picks up in the fourth quarter when we spend

Simple Rules - There is just one simple rule: “Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.”

SUDOKU Game Number # 3456

New Delhi, JaNuary 9 (NDVT auTo): Harley-Davidson India has updated prices of all existing models, ranging from as low as 1500 for the Harley-Davidson Fat Bob and as much as 30,000 for the Harley-Davidson Forty Eight. Exshowroom price of the HarleyDavidson Road King remains the same at 25,00,000.

Some of the highest selling models in India - the Street 750, Iron 883 and the FortyEight have recently been given the Dark Custom upgrade and they command the highest premiums in the price upgrade.

The Dark Custom range of these models get the blackedout treatment with some upgrades to suspension, brakes and cosmetics. The most important change is on the Street 750, which, despite being a very capable and affordable cruiser from H-D, had brakes which weren’t so confidenceinspiring. The ‘made-in-India’

Beijing to shut 2,500 small, polluting firms BeiJiNg, JaNuary 9 (iaNs): Beijing will shut down 2,500 small and polluting firms in 2016 in its latest environmental protection efforts, said the municipal government.

The Fengtai, Fangshan, Tongzhou and Daxing districts will close 2,500 small and polluting enterprises in 2016 while the whole city will finish the task in 2017, Xinhua reported.

Structural adjustment in recent years has led to a dramatic fall in heavily polluting and high energy-consuming companies in Beijing.

But small polluting sources such as restaurants, hotels, garages and bath houses were increasing, an official said on Friday.

Vice Mayor Li Shixiang ordered safety and risk assessment and comprehensive law enforcement in closure of small polluters.

Beijing aims to basically eliminate coal use in six downtown districts in two years and help 600,000 households shift from coal to clean energy in five years.

The capital, hit by bouts of heavy smog this winter, plans to reduce coal consumption by 500,000 tonnes in 2016 and close all coal-fired boilers throughout the city by 2020.

Despite Beijing’s efforts to limit air pollution, its average PM2.5 reading in 2015 stood at 80.6 micrograms per cubic metre, 1.3 times more than the national standard, official data showed.

_

LEISURE

Harley-Davidson India updates prices of all models Street 750 Dark Custom now gets better brakes, but commands a premium of almost 20,000 over the previous model. ABS though, is still not offered, not even as an option.

Interestingly, Harley-Davidson has discontinued the

Super Low from its product line-up in India. A new, updated Super Low is expected later this year. Although not much is expected to change in terms of the powerplant, the new Super Low will get new suspension and an all-new frame.

Motorcycle

New Price

Old Price

Harley-Davidson Street 750

4,52,000

4,32,500

Harley-Davidson Iron 883

7,37,000

7,22,000

Harley-Davidson Forty- 9,12,000 Eight

8,82,000

Harley-Davidson Street Bob

10,64,000

10,37,000

Harley-Davidson Fat Bob

13,05,000

13,03,500

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

15,15,000

15,08,500

Harley-Davidson Breakout

16,40,000

16,30,500

Harley-Davidson Heritage 16,60,000 Softail Classic

16,45,000

Harley-Davidson Night Rod

21,92,000

22,02,000

Harley-Davidson Road King

25,00,000

25,00,000

Harley-Davidson Street 29,76,000 Glide Special

29,91,000

Harley-Davidson CVO Limited 49,57,000

49,50,000

Government may further hike excise on petrol and diesel New Delhi, JaNuary 9 (PTi): The government is looking at one more hike in excise duty on petrol and diesel before March with a view to raising more revenue and stick to the fiscal deficit target of 3.9 per cent of the GDP. “Fiscal deficit target of 3.9 per cent for the current fiscal is sacrosanct and various options are available before the government, including further raising excise duty on petrol and diesel,” official sources said.

Government has already raised excise duty on petrol and diesel, three times in quick succession, which will help it garner an additional Rs 10,000 crore in the fiscal and partly make up for the shortfall in disinvestment receipts and direct tax collections.

“If global crude oil price provide room for further duty hike, it can be done. The government is open to idea as it will help boost revenue,” sources said.

Last week, the government hiked excise duty on petrol by Rs 0.37 per litre and

by Rs 2 a litre on diesel to mop up a little less than Rs 4,400 crore.

Oil prices have already fell to 12-year low to USD 32 per barrel on concerns of weak Chinese economy.

The higher realisation from further excise duty hike will come handy to the government to maintain fiscal deficit at 3.9 per cent of GDP in current financial year ending March 2016, notwithstanding poor showing with regard to stake sale in stateowned companies.

DAILY CROSS WORD

CROSSWORD # 3468

Answer Number # 3455

Although the government has targeted to raise Rs 69,500 crore from PSU disinvestment in current fiscal, so far only Rs 12,700 crore has been raised and the likelihood of any major stake sale in the remaining three months of 2015-16 is bleak.

Finance Ministry officials have admitted that there would be a shortfall of around Rs 50,000 crore in disinvestment proceeds and about Rs 30,000-40,000 crore in direct taxes, but expressed optimism that higher realisation from indirect taxes as well as non-tax revenues will make up for the deficit.

The Ministry is also insisting on higher dividends from the PSUs in a bid to garner more non-tax revenue.

The government has raised excise duty on petrol and diesel three times in last two months and by seven times since November 2014. The three excise duty hikes this fiscal, totalling Rs 2.27 per litre on petrol and Rs 3.47 a litre on diesel.

Taken together with four excise duty hikes between November 2014 and January 2015, levies on petrol has gone up by Rs 10.02 a litre and that on diesel by Rs 9.97 per litre.

According to the data, fiscal deficit position has shown a marked improvement at the end of November 2015.

The deficit stood at Rs 4.83 lakh crore, or 87 per cent of the Budget Estimate (BE) for the whole 2015-16. The fiscal situation, however, is better than last year when the deficit was 98.9 per cent of the BE for the same period.

DIMAPUR Civil Hospital:

STD CODE: 03862 232224; Emergency229529, 229474

Metro Hospital: Faith Hospital:

227930, 231081 228846

Shamrock Hospital

228254

Zion Hospital:

231864, 224117, 227337

Police Control Room

228400

Police Traffic Control

232106

East Police Station West Police Station

227607 232181

CIHSR (Referral Hospital)

242555/ 242533

Dimapur hospital

224041, 248011

Apollo Hospital Info Centre:

230695/ 9402435652

Railway:

131/228404

Indian Airlines

229366

Nagaland Multispe- 248302, cialty Health & 09856006026 Research Centre

W

O

COlD WAR COLDWAR COMMUNISM CAPITALISM TRUMAN DEMOCRACY STALIN SATELLITENATIONS UNITEDSTATES JAPAN RUSSIA SOVIETUNION GERMANY GREATBRITAIN HITLER ROOSEVELT CHURCHILL FRANCE KOREA IRONCURTAIN EUROPE MARSHALPLAN BERLIN NATO CHANGKAISHEK MAOZEDONG TAIWAN SEOUL MCARTHUR ATOMICBOMB PLUTONIUM URANIUM HUAC BLACKLIST HOLLYWOODTEN ROSENBERGS MCCARTHYISM EISENHOWER PRESIDENT HOTWAR

R

R N H M G N E K G A I S S U R L B S N R

D

M M A R S H A L P L A N Z A L C Y S A E

U A U M D P H F V D D U W I H H F G T L

S

I O C I U P G A X P M T H A O F G R O T

N Z R F N R G R T S O C N L R E A E P I

E

O E U F F A T R I H R G L D R U J B E H

T D O N C N R Y E U K Y L M N R A N I C

U O O C I L H U H A W J A N W O P E S A

A

L N I L A T S C I O T N U E N P I S O P

P G G V R U E S O Q Y B O V L E G O V I

A V M A K J H D N I A T R U C N O R I T

R

T W C P P E T H S P R E S I D E N T E A

O C A Z K E R R B T V X Y X T F O D T L

M F R A N C E J A P A N G R P A L B U I

C

I N T E S A T E L L I T E N A T I O N S

C D H R E W O H N E S I E K I W U N I M

Police Control Room: North Police Station: South Police Station: Fire Brigade: Naga Hospital: Oking Hospital: Bethel Nursing Home: Northeast Shuttles

H

B L U O E S B L A C K L I S T L D I O A

O Z R K D E M O C R A C Y V O S R L N U

M S I N U M M O C N A W I A T A S E O X

B I T L E V E S O O R F Y P O A G V B C

STD CODE: 0370 100/2244279 2222222 2222111 2222952 2222916 2243339 2224202 08974997923

ACROSS

1. A type of tree 6. Temporary living quarters 10. Carve in stone 14. Redress 15. Cain’s brother 16. Soft drink 17. A radioactive gaseous element 18. Docile 19. 1 1 1 1 20. He works with rocks 22. Tidy 23. Accompanying 24. Full of complexities 26. Anagram of “Sire” 30. Caviar 31. Sweet potato 32. Desire 33. Terminates 35. Flexible 39. A former Turkish term of respect 41. Witness 43. Shop 44. Fellow 46. Relating to aircraft 47. Historic period 49. Autonomic nervous system

DOWN

1. . Automobiles 2. French for “State” 3. Extinct flightless bird 4. Again 5. Regenerate 6. In a trance-like state 7. Chagrined 8. Quick note 9. A full supply 10. Frugal 11. Laser printer powder 12. Tidy 13. Hurried 21. Bogged down 25. Stop 26. Female sheep (plural)

27. Flat float 28. Data 29. Mental representation 34. Most fashionable 36. You (archaic) 37. Not his 38. God of love 40. Egghead 42. Orbital point 45. Bothers 48. Antenna 51. Refine metal 52. Adult male singing voice 53. Variety show 55. Begin 58. Border 59. At a distance 60. Exploded star 61. Prompted 62. If not Ans to CrossWord 3467

WE4WOMEN HELPLINE 08822911011

Police Station 1:

DIMAPUR: 03862-232201/ 101 (O) 9856156876 (OC) CHUMUKEDIMA: 7085982102 (O) 8732810051 (OC)

MOKOKCHUNG: 0369-2226225/ 101 (O) 8415830232 (OC) PHEK: 8414853765 (O) 8413822476(OC) ZUNHEBOTO: 03867-280304/ 101 (O) 9436422730 (OC) TUENSANG: 8414853766 (O) 9856163601 (OC)

KIPHIRE: 8414853767 (O) 9436261577 (OC) PEREN: 7085189932 (O) 9856311205 (OC) LONGLENG: 7085924113 (O) 9862414264 (OC)

Toll free No. 1098 childline

MOKOKCHUNG:

KOHIMA NORTH: 7085924114 (O)

MON: 03869-251222/ 101 (O) 9862130954 (OC)

CHILD WELFARE COMMITTEE 50. Not more 51. Walk with long steps 54. Slaloms 56. Encounter 57. Opposition 63. Covetousness 64. Doing nothing 65. Be in trouble with 66. French for “Wolf” 67. How old we are 68. Praises 69. Tall woody plant 70. In order to prevent 71. Exchange

KOHIMA SOUTH: 0370-2222952/ 101 (O) 9402003086 (OC)

WOKHA: 03860242215/101 (O) 8974322879 (OC)

Chumukedima Fire 282777 Brigade Nikos Hospital and 232032, 231031 Research Centre

KOHIMA

FIRE STATIONS

STD CODE: 0369

2226241

Police Station 2 :

2226214

Civil Hospital: Woodland Nursing Home:

2226216 2226263

Hotel Metsüpen (Tourist Lodge):

2226373/2229343

TAHAMZAM (formerly Senapati) STD CODE: 03871 Police Station: Fire Brigade

CURRENCY NOTES

222246 222491

BUY(Rs)

SELL(Rs)

US Dollars Sterling Pound Hong Kong Dollar Australian Dollar Singapore Dollar Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen

65.12 95.43 8.13 46.6 45.63 46.63 54.48

68.06 100.06 9.06 48.91 47.87 48.92 57.55

Euro

70.03

73.43

Thai Baht Korean Won New Zealand Dollar Chinese Yuan

1.75

1.94

0.0531

0.0591

43.83

45.99

9.50

10.58

SundAY 10•01•2016

NAGALAND

Standing in the truth: Khadi Nagi Meet celebrates 50 years Our Correspondent Jotsoma | January 9

With the theme, ‘Ketho-u se thakelie’ (Standing in the truth), the Khadi Nagi Kehou (Meet) commemorated its 50th anniversary on January 9 at Lieva, Jotsoma. Nagi is a clan in Jotsoma village which holds a meet every year.

Chief Minister T R Zeliang who was the Chief Guest of the celebration could not turn up to the event and his message was delivered by Minister for Social Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiyaneilie Peseyie. Appreciating the pioneering elders for their vision in instituting such an organization for the clan, T R Zeliang in his message emphasized on the importance of clan and the institution of Morung in Naga society which played a vital role in educating and orally passing on the traditional values.

“This was the core social structure that has sustained the Naga society for

which we are known for.

However it is saddening to see that a lot of traditional Naga values are diminishing causing social problems.” mentioned Zeliang who appreciated the fifty years of Khadi Nagi Kehou which he hoped will bring achievements.

Suggesting that the Khadi Nagi Meet continue to impart Naga traditional values such as honesty, respect for elders, hard work, and sporting spirit to the younger generation, Zeliang asserted that such initiative will go a long way in instilling positive values to the next generation to build a strong Naga society. Zeliang also mentioned that the Nagi clan is well known among the Angami community whose members have brought many laurels to the village.

“The pioneers of this meet and many other elders may not be present today but it is a time to remember their struggles and efforts for the vision and plans they have laid.

Homeless man found dead Morung Express News Dimapur | January 9

An unidentified man was found dead in Dimapur on January 8. According to the police, the body of the society. Pfiisozielie also deceased, reported to be informed that the Khadi homeless and who begged Nagi Resort was initiated to mark the fifty years celebrath tion and for the posterity.

Golepra Peseyie, Chairman, Jotsoma village who Dimapur, January in his speech recollected 9 (mExn): The Suruhoto stories of the Naga national Range Students’ Union movement, noted that the (SRSU) will be holding its leaders of Nagi clan as con- 56th general conference tributed immensely to the from January 12-16 under village and the region. the theme, “Competitive Khadi was the first Era.” The conference will grandson of Nagi who lived be hosted by Kholeboto at Phezhu Jotsoma in the Students’ Union.

17th Century. It is believed A SRSU press note isthat Khadi gained popu- sued by its President, larity through the posses- Kashiho Achumi and Gension of a miraculous gift eral Secretary, Tito Sumi inof a peculiar stone called formed that the conference Thegotsie which was the will be graced by Shetoyi source of all prosperity and Sumi, Parliamentry Secregood fortune in the village. tary for Fisheries, Printing In honor and memory and Stationary as the Chief of his life, Nagi clan used his Guest while Khehovi Yepname and calls their gener- thomi, BDO RD Block Agal meeting as Khadi Nagi. hunaga will be the Guest of To commemorate the 50th Honour. anniversary of Khadi Nagi kehou and to mark the establishment of of Khadi Nagi resort a monolith has been erected at Lieva, Jotsoma.

for a living, was found at Murgi Patti at around 1:30 pm. the cause of death could not be ascertained but police suspected he died of ill health. The deceased was barefooted and was wearing white pants and a striped shirt over a white top.

SRSU 56 Conference from Jan 12

Eldest member of the Nagi Clan invoking blessings during the 50th anniversary of the Khadi Nagi Kehou (Meet) at Lieva, Jotsoma on January 9. (Morung Photo).

The main objective of such meet is to foster better understanding and strengthen relationships.” said Kiyaneilie Peseyie during the celebration who added that theme of the meet, “Standing in the Truth” is very significant.

Both young and old need to introspect on the idea of truth and apply it in

their lives at a time when dishonesty has become rampant in Naga society, added Peseyie. Further mentioning the inaugural of the Khadi Nagi Resort, Peseyie urged the village to maintain cleanliness and to show exemplary values to tourists through honesty and truth.

The fifty years mes-

sage was delivered by Pfiisozielie who gave a brief report on the origination of the Nagi clan tracing back to the Naga migration route. The Khadi Nagi meet was formed in 1966 with the intention to build understanding and to encourage the younger generation to develop themselves and contribute to the clan and

Khetoho Numumi, Sr. Journalist; Abokali Aye, Asst. Prof. Department of Accountancy, Sibsagar Commerce College, Assam; and Hotoshe Awomi, Proprietor of Mount View School Suruhoto will be the speakers at the occasion.

It will also feature greetings by Holuvi Chopy, the president of Sumi Students’ Union (SKK) and exhortation by Hokuto Jakhalu President SAPO, the press note added.

The SRSU and the host village has warmly welcome all the students, elders and public leaders to participate in the conference.

Renew registration: PDFU informs farmers pfutsEro, January 9 (mExn): The Phek District Farmers' Union (PDFU) has informed all registered/progressive farmers of Phek District to renew their respective registration on or before February 29, 2016, failing which his/her registration shall stand cancelled.

PDFU also informed progressive and concentrated farmers to register themselves under the PDFU on or before February 29.

The union has also requested every village/town under Phek District to form Village/Town Farmers' Union on or before February 29 if not formed as yet. Those villages/towns

which have already formed Village/Town Farmers' Union have been asked to contact the PDFU Head Office at Pfutsero.

Meanwhile, PDFU informed that a Sub-Committee for important commercial crops viz., Medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits, spices, vegetables etc. will be formed at the earliest.

A press release from the PDFU informed that a resolution on the above decisions was passed during its Executive meeting held on December 11, 2015 at its Head Office, Pfutsero. For further information, one may contact 9089721355, 9862205112, 8731891705.

More rain in offing for NE

Pochury youth perform cultural dance during Phoyisha cultural festival at Hutsii under Meluri sub division of Phek district on January 6. Morung Photo/ Chizokho Vero

AR busts arm manufacturing unit Public SPace Clarification made on Chakhesang Kuzhale Holy Bible Translation by February 2016

T

he Book of St, John (NT) was translated by Dr. Weprenyi Mero and it was dedicated to the glory of God and release by Rev. Z. Mero, Sr. Pastor PTBC at Pftütseromi Village Baptist Church on 31-01-2006. In the second stage, Rev. Dr, V.K.Nuh, Gen. Secretary of CNBC dedicated and released Holy Bible (Kesoleshi in Kuzhale) to the glory of God on 28th March 2010 at Chizami Baptist Church which was translated by Dr. Weprenyi Mero, way back 2005. It was jointly edited, refined and final proof reading were done by Rev. Professor K. Lasuh and Dr. Ditsolo Kapfo, basing on Kuzhami Kuzhale Chahale Dikshüneri) (Khezha-English Dictionary) brought out by Dr. Kedutso Kapfo, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Manasagangotri, Mysore, published in April 2007, approved by the Kuzhale Literature Committee.

The Kuzhale Literature Committee (Kuzhale Lethu Lichi) headed by Dr. Ditsolo Kapfo, Chairman, KLL and Mr. Welhitsolo T. Mero, Secretary, KLL had written to the President, Chakhesang. Baptist

Church Council, T. Chikri, Pfütsero, Nagaland, seeking approval for printing of Holy Bible (Kesoleshi in Kuzhale) and expressed desire of endorsement to BSI, Auxiliary Branch, Dirnapur for printing vide their letter No. KLL-2/CORR107- 08 dated Pfütsero, the 21st April 2008 and the same copy had been endorsed to Executive secretary, CBCC and Auxiliary Secretary, BSI, Dimapur. However, it had turned down by the CBCC and did not issue “No objection Certificate".

Since there was no option left out, funds were raised in Kuzhami Baptist Churches by way of contributions, donations from the individuals, well wishers and sympathizers.

Accordingly, it got printed from other firms other than BSI. The Holy Bible in Chakhesang Kuzhale dialect Khezha dialect) have started using widely in an Kuzhale speaking Churches since 28-03-2010 and will continue even in the days to come. Praise God for all these things.

The Kuzhale Literature Committee (KLL) would like to convey our felicitation and appreciation to Chokri Gospel Literature

Committee, BSI, for having brought out Chakhesang Chokri Bible in time and release on 27-12-2015, and further extends gratitude to Rev. Vepocü Epao and other co-translators. May God bless them richly.

Translation of Holy Bible (Kuzhale Bible) would begin (Chakhesang Kuzhale dialect) from February 2016, being mentioned/stated by E.S, CBCC which appeared in Nagaland Post on 28-12-2015 has drawn our attention and would like to clarify that "Revision of Holy Bible in Chakhesang Kuzhale dialect Is most welcome" as it is required to be done from time to time In order to get its fidelity in translation, updating of vocabularies, interpretation of words and Improvement In various ways etc. And translation of Holy Bible in Chakhesang Kuzhale dialect for the second time may not be so much necessary as it was already done earlier and the same Is in great used today.

Ditsolo Kapfo Chairman, Kuzhale Lethu Lichi Hq. Pfütsero Senupelo K Lasuh Gen. Secretary, Kuzhale Lethu Lichi Hq. Pfütsero

The Morung Express is introducing “Public Space” as part of our intention to provide deliberate space for the opinions of the people to be expressed and heard through this newspaper. Nonetheless, The Morung Express points out that the opinions expressed in the contents published in the “Public Space” do not reflect the views and position of the newspaper or the editor.

Dimapur, January 9 (mExn): The Assam Rifles has claimed that it successfully “neutralized” a functional Arms Manufacturing Factory allegedly run by an NSCN (IM) cadre in 5th Mile, Dimapur.

According to an AR press note, the Assam Rifles in conjunction Civil Police launched a search operation and apprehended

one NSCN (IM) cadre with weapon, ammunition and “other war like stores”.

One 7.65 mm Pistol, 36 live assorted ammunitions, weapon spare parts, weapon making tools, SP capsule (Drugs), and incriminating documents including NSCN (IM) appointment letter were recovered, the AR statement informed.

AR identified the individual as Leacy Simon Yepthomi, a resident of village Unity, 5th Mile, Dimapur.

AR in their statement claimed that the individual was making and supplying weapons to other cadres besides being involved in illegal commercial sale of weapons to various arms peddlers of the region.

Dimapur, January 9 (aGEnCiEs): After remaining dry for a long period, Northeast finally witnessed some rain on Friday evening. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh recorded fairly widespread light to moderate rain and thundershowers during the last 24 hours.

According to Skymet Weather, the fresh rain activity can be attributed to easterly movement of Western Disturbance. After affecting the hills of North India, Western Disturbance generally divides into two parts. Out of this, one travels north of Himalayas while, the other moves along the foothills of Himalayas affecting Sikkim, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and the

northeastern region.

Moreover, a feeble cyclonic circulation prevailing over the region has also contributed towards the recent activity.

Skymet Weather expects similar light to moderate showers to continue over Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for another 24 hours. Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya are also likely to receive scattered rain during this time period.

However, intensity of rain will reduce significantly by January 10 evening.

But scattered light rain will still continue in East Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Thereafter, the weather will go completely dry by January 11, Skymet Weather predicts.

NCC National Integration Camp concludes Dimapur, January 9 (mExn): A twelve days Special National Integration Camp of NCC concluded here today at Patkai Christian College, Chumukedima with Khriehu Liezitsu Parliamentary Secretary, Youth Resources Sports and Music Task Force, presiding over the concluding ceremony.

Col Ananya Boral, Commanding Officer of 37 Assam Rifles; Neilahoulie, Additional Director of YRS; and Dr Ilyas Deputy Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, were also present during the closing ceremony.

Around 600 cadets of National Cadets Corps (NCC) from 17 Directorates (Dte) from all the corners of the country and around 100 cadets from the North East Region attended the Special National Integration Camp, a press note from the camp informed.

Brig MS Nikam, Group Commander, Group HQ Kohima commanded the camp.

(Left) NCC Cadets particiapting in a Tug-of-War event. (Right) Cadets presenting a cultural item during the12 days NCC National Integration Camp that concluded on January 9 at Patkai Christian College.

The Parliamentary Secretary while greeting the cadets from various corner of India likened the gathering to a ‘miniIndia’ bubbling with energy and exuberance and noted that NCC has been empowering youth in this country and instilling in them qualities of courage, intelligence, character and leadership.

The 12 days multievent camp saw active participation from all the

cadets competing in various events like national integration awareness competition, declamation, solo and group song and dance competitions.

Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Disaster Management Activities were conducted in an around Chumukedima while educational visits to Kohima and 37 Assam Rifles were also conducted.

The cadets also competed in games and sports

such basketball (Boys), volley Ball (Girls) and Tug of War (Mixed).

During the camp, dignitaries such as Maj Gen Deepak Saxena VSM, of HQ 3 Corps, Major General M S Jaswal, YSM, SM, Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) and Brig H S Cheema, Commnder of 44 Infantry Brigade addressed the cadets on Role of Youth in National Building, Ways to Achieve National Integration, Av-

enues of Entry in Armed Forces and Importance of Discipline and Unity.

At the end of the camp, Cadet Aditya R. Nath of Karnataka & Goa Dte was awarded the Best Cadets prize while Cadet Deepika Joshi of Uttarakhand Dte and Cadet Dubey of Uttar Pradesh Dte bagged best prize for Cultural events.

The overall prize for group performance went to Delhi and Maharashtra.

6

The Chalkboard

SunDAY 10•1•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

_____________________________ Because Children Matters

Being Special Terri Mauro children With special needs expert

K

ids have big ears, even the ones who don't seem to understand. When you rant about the teacher who doesn't respond to your notes, the aide who doesn't provide appropriate help, the therapist who's constantly absent, the principal who gets your goat, you may be

passing a harmful message to your child even as you try to be a strong advocate.

For one thing, if you have a child who repeats things he hears and constantly echo particular bits of dialog, you risk having that rant you had in private being the talk of the classroom the next day.

I remember an awkward teacher conference in which it became clear

Watch What you say about school When your child's listening

that complaints I'd vented about a paraprofessional had been parroted back to the woman in question, with whom I never did manage to re-establish a friendly rapport.

It's convenient, perhaps, when your child records the things that get said at school, but you'll want to make sure that particular communication device is one-way.

The bigger picture, though, is that children

benefit when all the adults in their lives are working together. Things that are happening in the classroom may not be to your liking, sometimes to a severe degree, and you may understandably want your child to know that it's not okay and you have his back. Be careful, though, that you don't put your child in a position to be disobedient at school because you've made it clear that personnel there are

not worthy of respect. It's entirely possible to make a bad situation worse, and your child is the one who will suffer.

Many children with special needs are particularly sensitive to strong emotions, and an outburst from you, however righteous, can set the stage for out-of-control behavior.

You also don't want to set up a situation in which your child sees how outof-control you seem when

WYour amazing child o W

C

hild development refers to the changes that occur as a child grows and develops in relation to being physically healthy, mentally alert, emotionally sound, socially competent and ready to learn.

The first five years of a child's life are fundamentally important.

They are the foundation that shapes children's future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement at school, in the family and community, and in life in general.

Recent research confirms that the first five years are particularly important for the development of the child's brain, and the first three years are the most critical in shaping the child's brain architecture. Early experiences provide the base for the brain's organizational development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities.

Children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life. They need love and nurturing to develop a sense of trust and security that turns into confidence

Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."

child deVeloPMent and early learning

— James Baldwin, novelist and social critic

The power of one caring volunteer in the life of a child

B

Dale Hudson

y age 14, Josh Shipp had been kicked out of so many foster homes that it had turned into a game for him. He would see how fast he could he get kicked out of the next home. Statistically, Josh should be dead or in jail, but he is not. Instead, he is now a successful leader that is helping thousands of kids realize their potential. Why? One caring adult stepped in and made the difference in his life. as they grow.

Babies and young children grow, learn and develop rapidly when they receive love and affection, attention, encouragement and mental stimulation, as well as nutritious meals and good health care.

Understanding the stages of child development helps parents know what to expect and how to best support the child as

she or he grows and develops.

In many settings, early childhood programmes support parents and their children from infancy through age 8, which includes the important transition from home to school.

All children have the right to be raised in a family and to have access to quality health care, good nutrition, education, play

and protection from harm, abuse and discrimination.

Children have the right to grow up in an environment in which they are enabled to reach their full potential in life.

It is the duty of parents, other caregivers and family members, communities, civil society and governments to ensure that these rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.

k A

•

•

•

•

•

Once upon a time

dylan m a g n i l a h Ma

t the ripe age of 9, Dylan Mahalingam co-founded Lil' MDGs, a nonprofit international development and youth empowerment organization and an initiative of Jayme's Fund. Lil' MDGs mission is to leverage the lipsticks contain fish power of the digital media to en-

•

Source: Facts of life

Consider these powerful thoughts from Josh.

• Don’t see kids as a problem … see them as an opportunity.

• 3.2 million kids are a victim of bullying each year.

• 1.2 million kids drop out of school each year.

• Every kid is one decision away from being a statistic.

• Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.

• Every child who ends up doing well had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult (quote from Harvard University).

• Identify one kid and invest time with that one kid.

roes e h r e id sup

FACTS CORNER

• Did you know, 80 percent of vanilla flavored food (including the ice cream and essence) is made artificially, because natural vanilla beans are very expensive.

• Did you know, Kangaroos cannot walk backwards!

• Did you know, potato, the delicious and favorite veggie of children is the staple food in many countries and is the most cultivated vegetable across the globe.

• Did you know; the lighter was invented long back before the matchbox and matchsticks are invented.

• Lipsticks are not vegan cosmetics! More than 95 percent of

he or she shares things that happen at school and therefore stops telling you about them.

As hard as it may be, keep the emotion out of any school-related exchanges with your child if you possibly can.

If you must vent your frustration with a teacher or school situation, pick a time and place where your child won't be in the path of all those negative emotions.

scales!

Venus is the only planet in the solar system that rotates clockwise, whereas all other planets rotate anti-clock wise.

Did you know that rabbits and parrots can see what is behind them without turning their heads.

Did you know that Australia is the only continent in the world that has no volcanoes.

Hands and feet have more than half of the bones in the human body.

Did you know that there is no expiry date to honey! The edible food remains good forever until used otherwise, like using a wet spoon!

Did you know that just like us, Dolphins have unique names. What could be their language?

The study is published in the National Academy of Sciences Proceedings.

gage children in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). His organization has mobilized more than 3 million children around the globe to work on a variety of issues, with more than 24,000 regular volunteers hailing from 41 countries. Dylan is a youth

A Merchant and his Donkey speaker for the United Nations as well as a chief strategist and project ambassador for Under the Acacia.

The recipient of numerous international and national honors, Dylan is now 15 years old and a sophomore at Pinkerton Academy in New Hampshire.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the nine things different between the left and the right image?

O

ne beautiful spring morning, a merchant loaded his donkey with bags of salt to go to the market in order to sell them. The merchant and his donkey were walking along together.

They had not walked far when they reached a river on the road.

Unfortunately, the donkey slipped and fell into the river and noticed that the bags of salt loaded on his back became lighter.

There was nothing the merchant could do, except return home where he loaded his donkey with more bags of salt. As they reached the slippery riverbank, now deliberately, the donkey fell into the river and wasted all the bags of salt on its back again.

The merchant quickly discovered the donkey’s trick. He then returned home again but re-loaded his donkey with bags of sponges.

The foolish, tricky donkey again set on its way. On reaching the river he again fell into the water. But instead of the load becoming lighter, it became heavier.

The merchant laughed at him and said: “You foolish donkey, your trick had been discovered, you should know that, those who are too clever sometimes over reach themselves.”

FAITH LEAF

SunDAY 10•01•2016

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

INSPIRATIONAL STORIES, MESSAGES, POEMS & SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

7

Kingdom Invasion India – Awakening the Body of Christ

Compelled by God’s Love to Act

C

ompelled by Love, is the feature-length documentary about Heidi, a modern day Mother Teresa whose ministry is based in over 30 nations around the world. The film was shot on the run over a period of 20 years, in 10 countries and on 4 continents in war zones, brothels, bushes, and Ivy League campuses, from Hollywood to Mozambique. It chronicles the power of one life fully yielded to God and the truth that love wins.

“When you discover the beauty of who He is, then nothing’s hard,” says Heidi. She gives Jesus all the credit for the ministry that cares for many thousands of orphans around the world, has established many churches in Mozambique and inspired thousands of people to give their lives to missions. The film, released in January 2014, was made by Shara Pradhan, a former personal assistant to Heidi and narrated by Reverend Reinhard Bonnke.

EARLY YEARS The film documents Heidi and Rolland’s early years in the ministry. Heidi grew up in a privileged environment in Laguna Beach, California but always loved Jesus. She had an experience at the age of about 16 that set the course of her life. Rolland was inspired by his grandfather who was a servant-hearted missionary in China and at the center of a revival that still influences the underground church in that nation more than 50 years later.

Heidi and Rolland were married in May 1980 and two weeks later they left for the mission field with simple instructions from the Lord, one way tickets and thirty dollars in their pockets. They went to Asia and founded Iris Global where they worked with the poor in the slums of central Jakarta, Indonesia and central Kowloon in Hong Kong.

Jackie Pullinger’s work among the drug addicts was a major influence in their lives.

Heidi and Rolland spent 12 years in Asia and saw thousands come to Jesus. In 1992 they left to do their PhDs at Kings’ College, University of London, but could not stop ministering to the poor.

In 1995 they were drawn to Mozambique, the poorest country in the world at the time. They were offered a horribly neglected and dilapidated orphanage with eighty miserable orphans in rags. Alone and without support, they took over the center.

Within months the children were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, weeping while still in rags with gratitude for their salvation.

Jesus provided miraculously as the children prayed night and day for their daily food.

Eventually, with help they improved the center and took the children to the streets to testify to more orphaned and abandoned children. After they got up to 320 children, the government evicted them and denied the children permission to pray and worship on the property.

The children marched off the property barefoot without a home. Heidi and Rolland lost everything, but they were only beginning to taste the power of God in Mozambique. Land was donated by a nearby city and they received tents and food from South Africa. Provision came in from supernaturally touched hearts all over the world.

Soon Heidi and Rolland were able to build dorms for the children. Bush pastors longed for a Bible school, and to receive what the children had received from the Holy Spirit.

Graduates went out and began healing the sick and raising the dead. Church growth in the bush exploded all across Mozambique’s ten provinces.

Throughout their ministry Heidi and Rolland have endured poverty and hardships. They have been shot at and stoned.

They both suffered life-threatening illnesses and were healed by God. Indeed, miracles of healing and provision are a daily feature of their lives in Mozambique. Heidi and Rolland are quick to testify that all of their success flows out of intimacy with Jesus.

W

ith the mission to contend for and steward revival to impact communities and cities in India and beyond, a team of organization and individuals are organizing the event, “Kingdom Invasion – Awakening the Body of Christ” Ifrom 28th to 31st January, 2016 at the State Stadium, Dimapur, Nagaland, India. The speakers are Heidi Baker, Jonathan Seet, and Shan Kikon.

About Heidi Baker

Heidi and Rolland Baker, founders of Iris Ministries, served as missionaries in Indonesia and Hong Kong before following God’s call in 1995 to Mozambique. In the face of overwhelming need, the Bakers now watch God provide miraculously for well over 10,000 children every day through their ministry, and many more through the Iris network of more than 15,000 churches, Bible schools, primary schools, and remote outreach programs. They live in Mozambique, Africa.

• Author, Reckless Devotion: Into the Heart of Radical Love • Co-founder Iris Ministries Missionary to Mozambique, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong and London • Started missions work in Mozambique in 1995 • Founded over 7,000 churches and care for over 5,000 children • Oversees a national Bible college • BA & MA, Vanguard University in southern CA • PhD studies, Kings College, University of London • Husband: Rolland • Adult children: Crystalyn and Elisha

Source: CBN.com

IRIS GLOBAL Today Iris Global has networks of churches and church-based orphan care in all ten provinces in Mozambique in addition to their bases in main cities. In recent years they have concentrated on the Makua, a people group of four million in the north who were listed by missiologists as “unreached and unreachable.” With tremendous help from missionaries and nationals, around two thousand churches have been planted among these people in the last eight years. Heidi is now “Mama Heidi” to thousands of children, and oversees a broad holistic ministry that includes Bible schools, medical clinics, church-based orphan care, well drilling, primary schools, evangelistic and healing outreaches in remote villages and a network of thousands of churches.

ModERn-day MiRaclEs IntImACy for mIrACLes

S

ince moving to Mozambique in 1995, and giving away everything they had, Heidi and Rolland Baker have learned to depend on God for everything. “If God does not show up, we are dead,” says Heidi. Living among the poor has allowed Heidi to see firsthand how when they embrace the life of the Beatitudes, they are truly blessed. “The Beatitudes are God’s recipe for revival. They are a portrait and description of Jesus. When we walk as Jesus walked, we will be blessed,” shares Heidi. She believes God is calling a generation forward to be “laid-down lovers for Him, to walk in the ways He walked, and to follow His Sermon on the Mount as their instructions for their Christian walk.”

Heidi says there is something about the poor that delights the heart of God. The reason God breaks forth in Mozambique in great power is because the people are poor in spirit. “I believe Jesus meant that poor in spirit is a posturing of the heart where one is wholly given, fully yielded, completely desperate, and totally dependent on God alone.”

For years, Heidi dreamed about providing water to the people who live in the villages in the most desperate conditions. After years of praying, planning, crying, working and networking, they broke ground with an enormous well drilling rig in Pemba. “We know hundreds of thousands of people will be affected by this development as we can now bring water from the earth as Jesus brings living water from heaven to the desperate people of Mozambique,” says Heidi. “I cried as the huge drill rig broke through solid rock and dirt.”

Many of their Mozambican friends walk from two hours to an entire day just to get one container of water. Many people die each year from diseases connected either with their lack of clean water or contaminated water.

been stopped. Scheming together with an equally corrupt faction of the government, they concocted accusations and issued a legal decree against Iris Ministries that forbade prayer and worship, Christian singing, and all forms of “unapproved” food and clothes distribution and medical assistance. Since Heidi and the children did not obey the new rules, they had 48-hours to leave the property.

Heidi was told there was a contract out on her life. So, they evacuated to their office in the capital city of Maputo. The children gathered in the dining room/ church and began to sing praise and worship songs at the tops of their lungs.

They were beaten and told they could not worship God. One by one, they began to walk the 20 miles to the city office. Reunited, Heidi, Rolland and the orphans called out to God in total desperation. They had lost everything and there was no place for them to go and no food to eat. A friend from the American Embassy came with chili and rice for the Bakers and their 2 children. They prayed over the pots of food and told the 80+ children to sit down. Everyone ate and was full! God has rewarded their faith, and now their property in Pemba is over seven times what was lost in 1997. “Government officials who once persecuted us and beat our children are now thankful for us staying in the country,” says Heidi.

MISSIONS IN HER BLOOD Heidi was called to the mission field when she was 16 and living on an Indian Reservation as an American Field student where she was led to the Lord by a Navajo preacher. Several months later she was taken up in a vision for several hours and heard the Lord tell her to be a minister and missionary to Africa, Asia and England. Heidi met her husband Rolland at a small charismatic church in Southern California and married 6 months later. They left for the mission field two weeks after they were married, with simple instructions from the Lord, one way tickets and thirty dollars in their pockets. They spent 12 years in Asia and saw thousands come to Jesus.

After meeting Jackie Pullinger-To and working with her ministry to drug addicts in Hong Kong, their hearts were increasingly broken for the poor and unwanted. In 1992 they left to do their PhDs at Kings’ College, University of London.

AGAINST ALL ODDS In 1995, Heidi arrived in Mozambique, the poorest country in the world, with her family. The government offered them a horribly dilapidated and neglected “orphanage.” After many years of brutal civil war, thousands of children had been left as orphans, displaced and abandoned. There were 80 children and God poured down His love and provided food day by day. A church was planted and hundreds began to turn to the Lord. The former communist directors of the government or- ROLLAND HEALED phanage were furious ever since Heidi Rolland became ill in November and her husband took over since their 2008 with signs of dementia. Tests conextreme corruption and thievery had ducted by physicians reported minor

damage to cells within the brain caused by two serious bouts with malaria and perhaps a series of small strokes. After much prayer, Heidi says they decided to take Rolland to a clinic in Germany that specializes in a blend of prayer, medical and nutritional remedies. While praying for a good recovery, many people have been supporting them due to Rolland’s growing medical costs.

While Rolland was in Germany, he received a sophisticated series of injections designed to build up depleted organs (like adrenal glands), clean out brain capillaries, wake up the nervous system and massive doses of vitamins and other things his body was depleted of. The staff at the wellness center also prayed for Rolland, counseling him and interceding for him. “The bottom line is that now I am thinking clearly and normally, which is huge,” says Rolland. “I do not have dementia. The road has been long and difficult, but I am greatly blessed and encouraged.” Today, Rolland has been fully healed for two years now, his mind is fully restored, and he is functioning 100%.

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH IRIS MINISTRIES Heidi’s heart is evangelism. She goes to the bush once a week. Deaf people are hearing, and many people are getting healed. The ministry is still planting churches weekly. A “synchronistic people of another faith” have been converting to Christianity in masses. Currently they have churches in over 20 countries.

Education is also a strong outreach with Iris Ministries and it is offered free to the community. Their primary school in Mozambique has successfully been running for eight years and has over 1,200 children in attendance daily. This school has a free discipleship lunch program where along with a meal there are Bible readings and skits available.

A year ago, they started a secondary school that provides a dinner program where everyone is welcome. Iris Ministries also has a vocational school that offers business, healthcare, and English classes. This vocational school has a café and offers internships with small businesses. It is really a thriving community. They have the Harvest School which is a missions school offered to 300 students twice a year in Mozambique. A new Harvest School is opening in Florida, the first school in the U.S. As a part of the Harvest School in Florida, optional outreaches are offered in various international countries and inner city America.

S

ince moving to Mozambique in 1995, and giving away everything they had, Heidi and Rolland Baker have learned to depend on God for everything.

“If God does not show up, we are dead,” says Heidi.

Living among the poor has allowed Heidi to see firsthand how when they embrace the life of the Beatitudes, they are truly blessed.

“The Beatitudes are God’s recipe for revival. They are a portrait and description of Jesus. When we walk as Jesus walked, we will be blessed,” shares Heidi.

She believes God is calling a generation forward to be “laid-down lovers for Him, to walk in the ways He walked, and to follow His Sermon on the Mount as their instructions for their Christian walk.”

Heidi says there is something about the poor that delights the heart of God. The reason God breaks forth in Mozambique in great power is because the people are poor in spirit.

“I believe Jesus meant that poor in spirit is a posturing of the heart where one is wholly given, fully yielded, completely desperate, and totally dependent on God alone.”

Heidi shares one of many occasions in which God showed up right on time. It was a 110-degree Christmas Day. There were hundreds of children that were awaiting a Christmas party at their center. These children included girls who had sold their bodies, bandits, rascals, and children from the village. All had all been invited. The challenge was that there were so many children, but only a limited amount of toy bags available. So, Heidi began to give the presents out first to those children who had never received a present before. Finally, it came down to the older girls, but all that was left were bags with stuffed animals in them.

Heidi asked the girls, “What would you like, sweetheart?”

And the girl replied, “Beads.”

Heidi’s friend and co-worker said “There is nothing in the bags but old stuffed dogs.”

Heidi asked her friend to check the bags again.

When the lady reached her hand into the bag of stuffed animals she started screaming, “Beads!

There are beads in the bag!”

All of the girls got beautiful, bright beads for Christmas.

“God really is God, and He is much better than Santa Claus,” says Heidi.

OPEN MY EYES Heidi received a prophetic word by a man named Randy Clark.

She was told “the blind will see, the crippled will walk, the dead will be raised from the dead and the poor would hear the good news of Jesus Christ.”

After she returned to the mission field in Mozambique she began praying for the blind but not getting good results. Until about a year later, when a blind beggar lady came to church. Heidi was thrilled to pray for her because she wasn’t

going to give up on the word that she had received from the Lord. As she prayed for the lady, her eyes began to turn from white to gray and then to brown. The next day she prayed for another woman who was blind since the age of eight. This lady received her sight too. On the third day, Heidi prayed for yet another woman who was blind from birth and she received her sight. All three of these women were named Mama Aida. In Mozambique, Heidi’s name is also Mama Aida. Through these healings God opened Heidi’s eyes to see how the Bride in the West is blind, poor, and thirsty for God’s Word.

Although she had worked with the poorest of the poor she says,” I could not understand and I could not see that people in the Western world were poor and starving too, that they were starving for the things of God. And then God opened my eyes.”

FOOD MIRACULOUSLY MULTIPLIED In 1995, Heidi arrived in Mozambique, the poorest country in the world, with her family.

The government offered them a horribly dilapidated and neglected “orphanage.” After many years of brutal civil war, thousands of children had been left as orphans, displaced and abandoned.

There were 80 children and God poured down His love and provided food day by day.

A church was planted and hundreds began to turn to the Lord. The former communist directors of the government orphanage were furious ever since Heidi and her husband took over since their extreme corruption and thievery had been stopped. Scheming together with an equally corrupt faction of the government, they concocted accusations and issued a legal decree against Iris Ministries that forbade prayer and worship, Christian singing, and all forms of “unapproved” food and clothes distribution and medical assistance.

Since Heidi and the children did not obey the new rules, they had 48 hours to leave the property. Heidi was told there was a contract out on her life. So, they evacuated to their office in the capital city of Maputo. The children gathered in the dining room/church began to sing praise and worship songs at the tops of their lungs. They were beaten and told they could not worship God. One by one, they began to walk the 20 miles to the city office. Reunited, Heidi, Rolland and the orphans called out to God in total desperation.

They had lost everything and there was no place for them to go and no food to eat. A friend from the American Embassy came with chili and rice for the Bakers and their 2 children.

They prayed over the pots of food and told the 80+ children to sit down. Everyone ate and was full! God has rewarded their faith, and now their property in Pemba is over seven times what was lost in 1997.

“Government officials who once persecuted us and beat our children are now thankful for us staying in the country,” says Heidi.

Readers may please note that, the contents of the articles published on this page do not reflect the outlook of this paper nor of the Editor in any form.

8

SundAY 10•01•2016

INDIA

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Pathankot: NIA focuses on 10 points to unravel plot New Delhi, JaNuary 9 (iaNS): Ten key points top the NIA's agenda as it probes the audacious terrorist attack on the IAF base at Pathankot in Punjab that has caused fresh strains in India-Pakistan relations.

The National Investigation Agency, which took over the case on January 4 from Punjab Police, is to uncover the sequence of events from the time the terrorists, believed to be Pakistanis, sneaked into India to the attack.

Some 36 hours of fighting at the base left seven security personnel dead. All six terrorists were also killed.

The key points the NIA is investigating include mobile phone conversations between the terrorists and their suspected handlers in Pakistan, a Jaish-e-Muhammad letter, DNA samples of the terrorists, and their voice record samples.

Other issues being focussed on include ammunition the terrorists carried, their strategy, suspected involvement of locals, the route the terrorists took from the India-Pakistan border, the accounts given by a Punjab Police officer, his friend and cook after their abduction by the terrorists just before the attack, and a Pathankot map found from the police officer's car, an NIA officer told IANS. "A 20-member team of NIA, led by an inspector general, has been camping in Pathankot to supervise the investigation. Our focus is on the key points," the officer told IANS.

PM briefed on terror attack at Pathankot PathaNkot, JaNuary 9 (iaNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Saturday briefed by senior defence and security officers about the terrorist attack, carried out by suspected Pakistani terrorists last week, on the Pathankot IAF base.

The prime minister arrived here on Saturday morning for an assessment of the attack.

Soon after landing at the air base, targetted exactly a week ago in a pre-dawn attack, Modi met senior Indian Air Force (IAF) and army officers.

Tight security arrangements were in place for the prime minister's visit. No one was allowed to enter the area near the Air Force Station (AFS), located 250

km from Chandigarh.

The prime minister was taken around the air base by the defence and security officers.

Modi is likely to fly to the border belt with Pakistan in Punjab in an IAF helicopter for a first-hand account of the security measures at the border.

The terrorists are believed to have infiltrated into India from Pakistan side by taking advantage of broken border fencing.

Six terrorists and seven security personnel were killed in the attack.

Security forces repulsed the attack and the terrorists were unable to harm any of the IAF's critical assets, including fighter aircraft and attack helicopters.

Pakistan and Indian Foreign Secretary meeting on January 15 People admire a sand sculpture created to pay tributes to the martyrs who lost their lives in the Pathankot terrorist attack, at Juhu Chowpatty in Mumbai. (PTI Photo)

An officer of the rank of superintendent of police has been appointed the chief investigating officer of the case, he said. The NIA took over the case by filing three separate First Information Reports (FIRs).

These were filed in connection with the abduction of Gurdaspur Superintendent of Police Salwinder Singh, along with his jeweller friend and cook, the earlier killing of taxi driver Ikagar Singh, and the terrorist strike at the Indian Air Force station.

Another NIA officer told IANS that the lapses by the Border Security Force (BSF) in preventing the

infiltration from Pakistan into Bamiyal sector adjoining Gurdaspur in Punjab and Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir were being investigated at the highest level.

The failure of Punjab Police, which looks after the security of areas near the border, was also under the scanner, the NIA source said.

The NIA is also trying to establish the identity of local residents who provided army fatigues and a walkietalkie to the six terrorists after they infiltrated into Punjab, possibly on December 30.

The NIA officer said the DNA samples of the terrorists have been sent to Paki-

stan for establishing their identity. Voice samples of the terrorists have also been sought from Pakistan.

The statements of the police officer, his friend Rajesh Verma and cook Madan Gopal were being thoroughly analysed, the officer told IANS. All of them will soon face lie detector tests. The statement of the officer's personal security officer, Kulwinder Singh, has also been taken.

The officer said the calls made from the mobile phone of the abducted victims were being analysed along with the number belonging to the dead Innova driver, Ikagar Singh.

The NIA team on Wednesday took police officer Salwinder Singh to the place near Kolian village, 25 km from Pathankot, from where he was allegedly abducted in his car along with the two others. The NIA team also took the officer to the place where he was dumped by the terrorists and to the spot where his car was found abandoned.

The NIA team is looking at what the officer did for nearly three hours after he and the others allegedly left a shrine in Kathua district at 9.30 pm on December 31 -- till they were allegedly abducted on the midnight of January 1.

iSlamabaD, JaNuary 9 (iaNS): The foreign secretaries of Pakistan and India will meet here on January 15, Sartaj Aziz, the prime minister's advisor on foreign affairs, has said.

Kashmir and all other outstanding issues will be on the agenda when Pakistan and India resume their comprehensive bilateral dialogue, Aziz said in the parliament on Friday.

The announcement came after Pakistan launched investigations into the Pathankot airbase attack, The Nation reported.

India had linked the foreign secretary level talks to Pakistan's action against the militants.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday chaired a meeting regarding Jaish-e-Muhammad organisation's involvement in the attack and Islamabad's response to New Delhi.

After the Pathankot air base attack,

Sharif called Modi assuring him of "prompt and decisive" action against groups or individuals linked to the attack.

Seven security personnel were killed in the attack on the IAF base in Pathankot.

Six terrorists, suspected to be from Pakistan, were killed during the gunfight that began on January 2.

Pakistan and India will remain in contact as Islamabad believes it needed solid evidence for a stern action.

Aziz told the house that the foreign secretaries of both the countries would discuss modalities of comprehensive bilateral dialogue and its timeframe during the meeting in Islamabad.

"As per the joint statement issued during the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Pakistan, the comprehensive dialogue would include all outstanding issues including the Kashmir dispute," he said.

Online initiative to engage Thief fed 48 bananas to excrete stolen gold chain JaNuary 9 (iaNS): The that a metallic object -- purportedly the stowith LPG consumers launched mumbai, police here force-fed four dozen bananas len chain -- was lying in his stomach, proof

New Delhi, JaNuary 9 (iaNS): The government has launched an online initiative to engage LPG (cooking gas) consumers across the country in providing efficient and citizen friendly services, an official statement said here on Saturday. Two online discussion forums have been launched and are available on myGov.in and mylpg. in for citizen-friendly services and increasing LPG coverage in the country, a petroleum and natural gas ministry statement.

"LPG consumers or citizens are requested to participate and share their thoughts on the respective forums online. Valuable suggestions or comments are welcome and will be considered for improving the customer oriented services related to LPG coverage and delivery," the statement said. This initiative is one of the many such steps being taken by the government for observing 2016 as the "Year of LPG Consumers".

to a chain-snatcher to recover a stolen gold chain he had swallowed to escape public wrath, an officer said here on Saturday.

The incident occurred in the Ghatkopar east fish market in the eastern suburbs late Wednesday night when the accused, Gopi R. Ghaware snatched a woman's 25 gms (2.50 tolas) gold chain and bolted.

As the woman screamed, some residents gave chase, pinned him down and hammered him, according to investigating officer Kailash Tirmare of Pant Nagar Police Station here. A police patrol in the vicinity arrived and took charge of Ghaware, a resident of Wadala and took him to the nearby Rajawadi Hospital for treatment.

An x-ray revealed on Thursday morning

of the 25-year old thief's first ever crime.

The woman victim had not yet lodged a compliant so the police interrogated Ghaware who admitted to swallowing the gold chain. Police arranged for another xray on Thursday evening which confirmed the earlier x-ray report. Then it ordered a basketful of bananas and forced Ghaware to eat them till the wee hours.

Early on Friday, he was escorted to the loo by four policemen, who also filmed the morning ablution as the chain finally slithered out of Ghaware's system. Police ordered him to wash it with phenyl and placed him under arrest. He was produced before a magistrate on Friday and A police officer fires teargas towards demonstrators during a protest in Srinagar on January remanded to custody.

9. Dozens of demonstrators on Saturday protested against the alleged arrest of a youth by police, demonstrators said. (REUTERS Photo)

UK website releases eyewitness accounts of Netaji plane crash Rape victim seeks President's

loNDoN, JaNuary 9 (Pti): A British website, set up to catalogue the last days of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, has released what it claims are eyewitness accounts of the day he was reportedly killed in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945.

The latest set of documents quote several people who were reportedly involved in the matter related to the accident as well as two British intelligence reports that revisited the crash site to establish the facts.

The website also sheds light on what may have been the freedom fighter’s dying words, which reflected his devotion to the cause of India’s freedom. “For 70 years, there have been doubts in certain circles whether such a tragedy at all took place. Four separate reports

each corroborating the other constitute irresistible evidence to the contrary,” says a statement issued by http://www.bosefiles.info.

The documents say that early in the morning on 18 August 1945, a Japanese Air Force bomber took off from Tourane in Vietnam with Bose and 12 or 13 other passengers and crew. Also on board was Lt Gen Tsunamasa Shidei of the Japanese Army and the planned flight path was Heito-Taipei-Dairen-Tokyo.

The three-member Netaji Inquiry Committee, instituted by the government of India in 1956 and headed by Major General Shah Nawaz Khan of Bose’s Indian National Army (INA), was told that since “the weather was perfect and the engines (of the aircraft) worked

smoothly” the pilot decided to overfly Heito and proceed straight to Taipei, arriving there late morning or early afternoon.

Major Taro Kono, a Japanese Air Staff Officer and one of the passengers, told the committee: “I noticed that the engine on the left side of the plane was not functioning properly.

I, therefore, went inside the plane and after examining the engine inside, I found it to be working all right.” He added the accompanying engineer “also tested the engine and certified its air-worthiness”.

Captain Nakamura alias Yamamoto, the ground engineer in charge of maintenance at the airport, concurred with Major Kono “that the engine of the left side was defective”.

He said the pilot told him “it was a

brand new engine”. He went on to say: “After slowing down the engine, he (the pilot) adjusted it for about five minutes. The engine was tested twice by Major Takizawa (the pilot).

After being adjusted, I satisfied myself that the condition of the engine was all right. Major Takizawa also agreed with me that there was nothing wrong with the engine.”

However, soon after the aircraft was airborne there was, according to Colonel Habib ur Rahman – Bose’s ADC and a co-passenger, a loud explosion. He described it as “a noise like a cannon shot”. Nakamura, who was watching from the ground, said: “Immediately on taking off, the plane tilted to its left side and I saw something fall down from the plane, which I later found was the propeller.”

permission for mercy killing

PatNa, JaNuary 9 (iaNS): A rape victim in Bihar has asked President Pranab Mukherjee for permission for mercy killing, saying she has been denied justice for nearly three months, police said on Saturday.

The woman in her early 20s, who is a resident of Saflapur village in Arwal district, has sent a letter to Mukherjee in this connection.

"The rape victim has sought permission of the president for mercy killing as she was denied justice in her case despite knocking at the doors of all concerned officials," a relative said.

In her petition to President Mukherjee, the woman alleged that police were not playing their role in arresting the accused.

A medical test on the woman con-

firmed rape, police said.

A first information report was lodged against the accused -- said to be a defence personnel and posted outside Bihar -- at an all-woman police station in Arwal in October 2015.

As per the police complaint, the victim said she was raped by a close relative from her father's side on October 22.

But the woman said the accused has not been arrested so far and his family members have repeatedly threatened the victim's family to withdraw the case or face dire consequences.

Arwal woman police station officer in charge Kumari Babita told IANS over phone that investigation was on, but no arrest has been made.

Poor leadership casts doubts on Congress recovery Amulya Ganguli

T

(IANS)

he Congress is in a predicament which is quite unlike that of any other party. It has lost its primacy of position at the national level and is struggling to remain relevant in a number of states. Even more than these setbacks, which have been the fate of other parties as well - notably of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which could win only two Lok Sabha seats in 1984 - what is peculiar about the Congress is that there are serious doubts about the capability of its leaders to take the party out of the present political morass.

These misgivings were not there in 1980 or 1984 when the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty's charisma was expected to bring the party back to life, as indeed it did, but the present uncertainties about the Congress leaders cast a shadow on the hopes of recovery.

Since these doubts are being expressed with increasing frequency by outsiders, including apparent well-wishers, there must also be a few in the party who harbour similar feelings. But such is the stifling control exercised by the dynasty that no one is able to articulate his or her concerns on the subject.

On the other hand, since the outsiders are not bound by constraints of po-

liteness or organizational discipline, they have been quite vocal about their views. One of the most acidic has been the historian, Ramachandra Guha, who argues that Rahul Gandhi has "neither the brains nor the heart, nor the physical stamina to be an effective political leader".

Within the Congress, it was only the shock of being reduced to 44 Lok Sabha seats from 206 which made some like T.H. Mustafa, a former minister in Kerala, call Rahul a "joker" and earn a reprimand.

Among others, former M.P. Jagmeet Singh Brar of Punjab asked the NehruGandhis to "take a break from politics and let someone else preside over the

Congress". He remained under suspension for a year.

These are however relatively unknown figures, who may have expressed widely prevalent views but whose comments made little impact. Their forthrightness, though suicidal, has not been demonstrated by the better known leaders whose loyalty to the NehruGandhis continues to buttress the party's reputation as an outfit of sycophants.

Perhaps the most servile of them is A.K. Antony, who was handpicked by Sonia Gandhi to conduct an inquiry into the electoral debacle and predictably gave a clean chit to the mother and son.

Notwithstanding this reluctance to turn the spotlight

inwards, the fact that there is a faint realization in the party that all is not well, particularly with regard to Rahul Gandhi, is evident from the continuing postponement of the date of his coronation as party president.

He may still make it because of the cheerleaders led by his mother. But there will be uneasiness about his possible gaffes. That he lacks his father's and grandmother's charisma is no secret. Even his sister is considered better qualified by a large number of Congressmen. But a son is always more prized in Indian families than the daughter.

Rahul Gandhi's Achilles heel lies in his temperament of a loner, which is made worse by an innate hauteur

as a result of being born with a silver spoon. He is, therefore, unable to interact closely with the leaders of other parties, especially seniors like Sharad Pawar and Lalu Prasad. This inability is a major disadvantage at a time when, as the Bihar results show, the Congress has to function as a partner, even a junior partner, of anti-BJP alliances in the foreseeable future.

Ironically, the faint signs of life that the Congress has shown in Bihar and in the local elections in Gujarat, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh may persuade the mother and son that the debacle of 2014 was an accident caused by a failure to communicate the Manmohan Singh gov-

ernment's achievements.

The duo may also come to believe that the marginal revival of the party's fortune signifies a popular approval of their disruptive tactics in parliament.

In this atmosphere of make-believe, the dynasty is likely to tighten its grip on the party, scotching any possibility of new leaders coming to the fore who are not beholden to the first family. Yet, the setbacks suffered by the BJP in the recent elections have nothing to do with a renewal of popular faith in the dynasty, but with dissatisfaction with Narendra Modi for his failure to fulfil his developmental promise.

That the Congress is not oblivious of the connection

between growth and political success is evident from its stalling of the government's pro-reform measures lest they lead to economic buoyancy and spoil the Congress's chances.

It is possible that the Congress will continue to do reasonably well in some of the coming elections as a combination of antiincumbency and slow development affects the BJP's prospects. But the resultant strengthening of the control of leaders of indifferent calibre on the Congress will not bode well for the party.

(Amulya Ganguli is a political analyst. The views expressed are personal. He can be reached at amulyaganguli@gmail.com)

sundaY 10•01•2016

WORLD

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

9

Mexico nabs infamous drug lord ‘El Chapo’ MEXICO CITY, JANUARY 9 (REUTERS): Mexico recaptured the world’s top drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman with U.S. help after a predawn shootout on Friday, six months after he humiliated the government with his second jaw-dropping escape from a maximum security prison.

The head of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel was captured at a roadside motel after an operation that killed five at a safe house in the city of Los Mochis, in the drug baron’s native northwestern state of Sinaloa.

“Mission accomplished: We have him,” President Enrique Pena Nieto said on his Twitter account. “I want to inform all Mexicans that Joaquin Guzman Loera has been arrested.”

For Pena Nieto, the capture of a trafficker who twice slipped out of Mexican prisons is a sorelyneeded victory after his presidency was tarnished by graft and human rights scandals and the shame of the kingpin’s flight in July.

It also provides a major boost for U.S.-Mexico relations, strained by the apparent ease with which Guzman gave Mexican authorities the slip after the United States requested his extradition.

Once featured in the Forbes list of billionaires, Guzman has led a cartel that smuggled billions of dollars worth of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamines

Joaquin “Shorty” Guzman is escorted by soldiers during a presentation at the Navy’s airstrip in Mexico City, February 22, 2014. (REUTERS File Photo)

into the United States and fought vicious turf wars with other Mexican gangs.

Guzman, whose nickname means “Shorty”, first escaped prison in 2001 by bribing prison officials, and went on to dominate drug trafficking along much of the Rio Grande.

He was recaptured by Pena Nieto’s government 13 years later but again fled, this time through a milelong tunnel which burrowed right up into the shower in

his cell, capitalizing on the drug-tunneling skills his cartel honed on the U.S. border.

The escape heaped embarrassment on Pena Nieto, who had resisted a U.S. request to extradite Guzman and had said previously that an escape would be “unforgivable.”

Dozens of people were arrested over the jailbreak, though details of who Guzman bribed and how his accomplices knew exactly where to dig into the prison

remain scarce.

Scant official details were available of his recapture on Friday, but it involved Mexican marines, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Marshals, a senior Mexican police source said.

SEARCHING STORM DRAINS The source said Guzman was captured from the Hotel Doux, a motel on the outskirts of Los Mochis

once popular with North Americans travelling south.

Residents described gunfire and explosions from about 3:30 a.m. (0930 GMT) and said Marines stormed house after house and searched storm drains for the fugitive.

Schools were closed as helicopters clattered overhead.

“The teachers were coming out terrified because they had heard the rumours that he was flee-

ing in the city’s drains,” said Ana Bertotti, 30, a housewife who crossed town to find her child’s kindergarten closed.

One photograph widely circulated on social media, but that could not be independently verified by Reuters, appeared to show Guzman sitting handcuffed on a hotel bed, in a room that resembled those shown on the Hotel Doux website.

He was wearing a filthy vest and a poster of a scantily clad woman was pinned on the wall behind him.

A receptionist at the motel told Reuters she understood Guzman had been captured there.

Another photo appeared to show Guzman without handcuffs and wearing the same vest in the back of vehicle next to one of his top assassins.

U.S. officials and the DEA, which has had a bumpy relationship with its Mexican counterparts, took no credit and congratulated Mexico on the capture.

“This notorious criminal is – and will remain – behind bars, until he faces justice in a court of law,” said DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg.

EXTRADITION WILL ‘TAKE TIME’ Guzman now faces the prospect of extradition to the United States.

After coming under fire for failing to do so the last time, Mexico’s Attorney

General’s office said after his escape in July it had approved an order to extradite him north of the border.

On Friday, the U.S. Justice department said its previous request to extradite Guzman to the United States still stands and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the kingpin will have to answer for his alleged crimes.

In a celebratory speech in his ceremonial palace, Pena Nieto said the capture was the result of months of work by Mexican intelligence and security agencies and the attorney general’s office. He did not mention U.S. assistance.

Guzman is wanted by U.S. authorities for various criminal charges including cocaine smuggling and money laundering. An official at the attorney general’s office, speaking on condition of anonymity, said his extradition would “take time”.

In 2013, Chicago dubbed him its first Public Enemy No.1 since Al Capone, the gangster who won notoriety in the 1920s.

Guzman’s lawyer in October appealed against possible extradition in case his client was captured.

Guzman, believed to be 58 years old, was born in La Tuna, a village in the Sierra Madre mountains in Sinaloa state where smugglers have been growing opium and marijuana since the early 20th century.

In 1993, police arrest-

ed him in Guatemala and extradited him to Mexico.

Guzman used money to ease his eight year prison stay, smuggling in lovers, prostitutes and Viagra, according to international and domestic media reports.

The 5-foot, 6-inch gangster’s exploits made him a hero to many poor villagers in and around Sinaloa, where he was immortalized in dozens of ballads and low budget movies.

Still, many people in towns and villages across Mexico remember Guzman better for his squads of armed gunmen who carried out thousands of brutal slayings and kidnappings.

After Guzman’s first prison break, violence began to creep up in Mexico.

The situation deteriorated during the 2006-2012 presidency of Pena Nieto’s conservative predecessor Felipe Calderon, when nearly 70,000 people lost their lives in gang-related mayhem.

After he managed to outmaneuver, outfight or outbribe his rivals to stay at the top of the business for over a decade, some security experts see in Guzman’s capture new hope for Mexico.

“This gives important credibility to the Mexican government. And the fact is, they’re starting to move forward in implementing the rule of law,” said Mike Vigil, former head of global operations for the DEA.

Gunman ambushes Philadelphia policeman Iran complains to UN about PHILADELPHIA , JANUARY 9 (REUTERS): A gunman claiming allegiance to Islamic State militants shot and seriously wounded a Philadelphia police officer, saying he ambushed his patrol car “in the name of Islam,” the city’s police commissioner said on Friday.

Edward Archer of Philadelphia approached Officer Jesse Hartnett, 33, shortly before midnight and fired 11 rounds, three of which hit the officer in his arm, authorities said. Police released still images from surveillance video that showed the gunman dressed in a long white robe walking toward the car and firing, eventually getting close enough to shoot at point-blank range through the window.

Hartnett chased Archer, who was arrested by responding officers and later confessed to the attack, police officials told reporters.

“He has confessed to committing this cowardly act in the name of Islam,” Ross told a press conference, adding that the 30-year-old assailant also referenced Islamic State militants.

Philadelphia Police Captain James Clark added, “He

said he pledges his allegiance to Islamic State, he follows Allah and that was the reason he was called on to do this.”

A top U.S. Muslim advocacy group said it had found no evidence that Archer was an observant Muslim.

U.S. officials have been on high security alert following a series of Islamic State-linked attacks at home and abroad over the last few months.

In November, gunman and suicide bombers affiliated with Islamic State killed 130 people in a series of attacks in Paris. Last month a married couple fatally shot 14 people in San Bernardino, California, in an attack inspired by Islamic State.

Those concerns have led to calls by some Republican governors and presidential hopefuls to restrict the admission of Syrian refugees fleeing that country’s long civil war. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, a Democrat sworn in on Monday, told reporters he did not believe Archer’s actions reflected Islamic thinking.

“In no way shape or form does anyone in this room believe that what was done represents Islam,” Kenney said.

“This was done by a criminal

Ross said.

“He was savvy enough to stop just short of implicating himself in a conspiracy,” Ross said. “He doesn’t appear to be a stupid individual, just an extremely violent one.”

About a dozen FBI agents and city detectives could be seen on Friday afternoon searching a two-story row house in a working class West Philadelphia neighborhood where Archer was believed to have stayed at times and a second home just outside the city where his mother lives.

The house where Archer was believed to have stayed was about two blocks away from the intersection where Hartnett was shot.

Archer has a criminal history. Court records show he pleaded guilty in 2014 to assault and carrying an unlicensed gun, charges that got him a prison sentence of between nine and 23 months.

Archer’s mother told the Philadelphia Inquirer that her son, the oldest of seven children, had suffered head injuries from football and a moped accident.

“He’s been acting kind of NO SIGN OF CONSPIRACY There was no evidence strange lately. He’s been talkas yet that the shooter had ing to himself,” and hearing worked with anyone else, voices, the newspaper quotwith a stolen gun.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the leading U.S. Muslim advocacy group, on Friday said Archer “does not appear” to be an observant Muslim.

At the Masjid Mujahideen mosque, which stands around the block from the home where Archer was believed to have lived, Imam Asim Abdur-Rashid said he did not know Archer and was not aware if he had ever prayed at the mosque.

“When it’s time to pray, you get to wherever is closest,” Abdur-Rashid said, adding, “There’s no conflict between us and anyone in the world.” A woman who lived on the same block as Archer’s mother but declined to give her name said police had responded to the house on occasion but described the suspect as “pleasant.”

Neighbor Natalie King, 68, a retired public worker, said she had seen the man she knew as “Eddie” going to the mosque every Friday. “He’s a nice boy. I am shocked,” she said.

North Korea says South Korea’s propaganda pushing to ‘brink of war’ SEOUL, JANUARY 9 (REUTERS): South Korea’s loudspeaker broadcasts aimed at North Korea push the rivals to the “brink of war,” a top North Korean official has told a propaganda rally, in the isolated country’s first official response to the sonic barrage across its border.

North Korea’s fourth nuclear test on Wednesday angered both the United States and China, which was not given prior notice, although the U.S. government and weapons experts doubt the North’s claim that the device it set off was a hydrogen bomb.

In retaliation for the test, South Korea on Friday unleashed a ear-splitting propaganda barrage over its border with the North. The last time South Korea deployed the loudspeakers, in August 2015, it triggered an exchange of artillery fire.

“Jealous of the successful test of our first H-bomb, the U.S. and its followers are driving the situation to the brink of war, by saying they have resumed psychological broadcasts and brought in strategic bombers,” Kim Ki Nam, head of the ruling Workers’ Party propaganda department, said at Friday’s rally.

State media published images of the rally which appeared to show thousands of people gathered in central Pyongyang, holding propaganda signs glorifying leader Kim Jong Un, whose birthday was also on Friday.

Kim Ki Nam’s comments, which are in line with routine propaganda rhetoric, were the North’s first official response to the South’s broadcasts, which it considers insulting.

The broadcasts, in rolling bursts from walls of loudspeakers at 11 locations along the heavily militarised border, blared rhetoric critical of the Pyongyang regime, as well as “K-pop” music. North Korea later responded with its own broadcasts.

A South Korean military official said Seoul and Washington had discussed the deployment of U.S. strategic weapons on the Korean peninsula after the test, but declined to give details. Media said these could include B-2 and B-52 bombers, and a nuclear-powered submarine.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said he had told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that China’s approach to North Korea had not succeeded.

China’s Foreign Ministry said Wang also held talks with his South Korean counterpart, Yun Byung-se. Yun pushed Wang to “sternly punish” North Korea over the test, the South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement.

China is North Korea’s main economic and diplomatic backer, although relations between the Cold War allies have cooled in recent years.

ed Valerie Holliday as saying.

“We asked him to get medical help.”

She described him as a longtime “devout” Muslim.

Hartnett was taken to Penn Presbyterian Hospital and will require several surgeries for three gunshot wounds in his arm.

Archer used a 9 mm handgun that had been stolen from a Philadelphia police officer’s home several years ago, but not by him, Ross said.

In New York City, where two police officers were shot dead in their patrol car in a December 2014 attack by a man angry over police killings of unarmed black men, the police department issued a memorandum urging officers to “exercise heightened vigilance and implement proactive measures” in light of the Philadelphia shooting.

“Those who carry out attacks in the name of ISIS or any other terrorist organization must be fully prosecuted,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, using a common acronym for Islamic State. “We have to take every appropriate step to safeguard our communities and ensure safety.”

Saudi Arabia “provocations”

DUBAI, JANUARY 9 (REUTERS): Iran’s foreign minister has complained to the United Nations about Saudi Arabia’s “provocations” towards Tehran, as a diplomatic crisis between the region’s two major powers entered its second week.

In a letter to the U.N. SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon published by Iranian news agencies on Saturday, Mohammad Javad Zarif said “some people” in Riyadh seemed bent on dragging the whole region into crisis.

The two powers, both major oil exporters, have been locked in a diplomatic battle since Saudi Arabia executed Shi’ite cleric Nimr al-Nimr on Jan. 2. Iranian protesters then stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran, prompting Riyadh to sever relations.

Zarif said Iran had “no desire” to escalate tensions further, but offered no compromise as he placed the blame for the crisis, and the wider turmoil across the region, squarely on Saudi shoulders.

“They (the Saudis) can continue to support extremist terrorists and promote sectarian hatred, or choose the path of good neighbourliness and play a constructive role in regional security,” state news agency IRNA quoted Zarif’s letter as saying in Farsi.

Zarif said Sunni Saudi Arabia had engaged in a series of “direct provocations” towards Shi’ite Iran, includ-

ing the execution of Nimr and what he described as “persistent mistreatment” of Iranian pilgrims visiting Mecca.

Saudi Arabia says last week’s executions were a domestic matter, and that Iran is the country pursuing sectarian division by casting itself as the champion of Arab Shi’ites.

Zarif also portrayed Saudi Arabia as a threat to regional and global security in the letter, copies of which were sent to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the foreign ministers of several countries.

“Most members of al Qaeda, the Taliban, Islamic State and Nusra Front are Saudi citizens or have been brainwashed by demagogues wielding oil money,” IRNA quoted him as writing, in an unusually direct allegation.

Saudi Arabia opposes extremist groups: it executed dozens of al Qaeda members last week alongside Nimr, and last month announced an Islamic coalition against terrorism.

But the kingdom’s ultra conservative Wahhabi clergy, which views Shi’ites as heretical, is a cornerstone of Saudi ruling legitimacy.X Riyadh says around 2,500 Saudis have gone to fight in Syria and Iraq, ‎constituting one of the largest groups of foreign fighters, but only a fraction of the total number estimated to be in the tens of thousands.

9 months on, Nepal finally set to start quake reconstruction work KATHMANDU, JANUARY 9 (REUTERS): Nepal will start repairs and reconstruction next week for nearly a million homes damaged by last year’s deadly earthquakes, the head of a state agency said on Saturday, nearly nine months after the disaster left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Two tremors last April and May killed 9,000 people, injured more than 22,000 and damaged or destroyed more than 900,000 houses, forcing many to brave freezing temperatures living in temporary shelters made from tarps and corrugated iron sheets.

“We realise that the victims are very much in trouble. We’ll start the reconstruction work from January 16,” Sushil Gyewali, chief of the National Reconstruction Authority, told reporters.

The agenc y was launched in September but political squabbling has delayed the deployment of $4.1 billion pledged by

A door of a collapsed house stands after the earthquake damaged it earlier this year at Khumjung, a typical Sherpa village in Solukhumbu district also known as the Everest region, in this picture taken November 30, 2015. (REUTERS File Photo)

foreign donors for reconstruction. UNICEF estimates that more than 200,000 families affected by the quakes are still living in temporary shelters at an altitude above 1,500 meters (4,920 feet), where harsh

winter conditions will continue through February.

The delay has been blamed for more than a dozen deaths since the onset of winter, mostly of people over 65, according to domestic media reports.

Gyewali said the agency would start training engineers, masons and other technicians and dispatch them to districts ravaged

by Nepal’s worst disaster on record. Kathmandu has said it needs to train 50,000

people and has pledged up to $2,000 for each home destroyed by the quake.

Gyewali added that his agency would offer up to $15,000 in soft loans to each affected household for reconstruction. The disaster spurred the country’s feuding politicians to set aside differences and adopt a new constitution after a sevenyear delay. But the charter sparked protests by ethnic Madhesi groups, who blocked key trade crossings with India and brought on severe fuel shortages.

Aid agencies say the shortages have constrained efforts to transport blankets, clothing and other essential relief materials to earthquake survivors in mountainous areas. “We are in the middle of winter now and still struggling to survive without any support,” said Kanchhi Bika, an earthquake survivor, outside her tarp hut near Kathmandu. “I don’t think the government really cares about us.”

10

sunDAY 10•01•2016

sports

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

Lowly Exeter hold second- Shami out of Australia tour with leg injury string Liverpool in FA Cup MuMBaI, JanuaRy 9 (REuTERS): Mohammed Shami will have to wait a little longer for his return to international cricket after the fast bowler was sidelined for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old played through pain the last time India toured Australia and finished as his team's second-highest wicket taker at the 2015 World Cup, claiming 17 victims.

He underwent surgery after returning from Australia in March and was out of action until he returned to domestic cricket last month.

The Board Of Control For Crick-

et In India (BCCI) named paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar as Shami's replacement for the tour, where India will play five one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches.

"The BCCI medical team confirms that Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of India's tour of Australia due to injury," the board said in a statement.

"He sustained a Grade II injury to his left hamstring, which will restrict him from playing active cricket for about four-to-six weeks."

As hosts, India will hope to have the right-arm bowler back to full fitness for the World Twenty20 start- Mohammed Shami speaks during a news conference in Mumbai, January ing on March 8.

5. (REUTERS)

Meghalaya to not withdraw as co-hosts of South Asian Games

SHILLOng, JanuaRy 9 (PTI): The looming threat over conduct of the South Asian Games was averted today when it was decided that the Badminton competition will be held in Shillong as originally planned and Meghalaya withdrew its warning that it will not co-host the big event.

The state of Meghalaya had threatened to withdraw as co-hosts of the Games when the badminton event was shifted to Guwahati from Shillong due to inadequate facilities at the proposed venue.

LOnDOn, JanuaRy 9 (REuTERS): Defender Brad Smith's second-half goal rescued a 2-2 draw as injury-hit seven-times FA Cup winners Liverpool denied fourth tier Exeter City a notable third round giantkilling scalp on Friday.

The Premier League outfit, playing their third match in less than a week and without 11 injured first-teamers, fielded a barely recognisable second-string side and nearly slipped up against Exeter who are languishing in the bottom half of League Two. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp made 11 changes from the team that beat Stoke City in the opening leg of the League Cup semi-finals on Tuesday with Christian Benteke and forgotten man Jose Enrique, featuring for the first time in nearly a year, the only two with more than

four senior appearances.

Exeter, sensing the opportunity to cause a huge upset on home turf, went ahead after nine minutes when a low cross from Jamie Reid was poked home by top scorer Tom Nichols.

Liverpool, who have never lost in the FA Cup to a side from the fourth rung of English football, were level three minutes later when teenage striker Jerome Sinclair took advantage of hesitant defending to fire the ball home.

The hosts went back in front on the stroke of halftime when Lee Holmes caught out Liverpool keeper Adam Bogdan direct from a corner, his swirling delivery creeping under the crossbar, but left back Smith's equaliser on 73 minutes earned a replay at Anfield.

While Exeter will be looking forward to reaping

the financial benefits from another meeting, Klopp could barely contain his frustration.

"I can't believe we have to play another game now," the German told the BBC. "It's obvious what we have to learn in the future.

We have to be more robust.

It was a difficult pitch. Exeter did really well. On oneon-one situations they were more robust than our guys."

Exeter, who as a minor league side held Manchester United to a draw at Old Trafford before losing the replay at home in 2005, caused a young and inexperienced Liverpool plenty of problems.

The hosts missed two good chances in the first half and had strong penalty appeals turned down after the break when Christian Ribeiro went down under a challenge from Kevin Stewart.

However, the matter was sorted out during a meeting between the Sports Minister and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul Sangma.

Meghalaya had also decided to boycott the Executive Committee Meeting of the SAG to be held in Guwahati on Monday on the advise of Sangma.

Meghalaya representatives were told not to attend the eighth EC meeting till the issue of shifting away of the badminton venue from Shillong is settled.

"We have just received the in-

formation from Meghalaya government that badminton will be held in Shillong as earlier scheduled. Meghalaya officials will attend the EC meeting on Monday," Meghalaya Olympic Association President John F Kharshiing.

Another official said now "Meghalaya will not withdraw as co-hosts of the Games. The matter has been sorted out now."

The SAI Sports Centre at Shillong's North East Hill University, which is a multipurpose indoor stadium, was reportedly found not

51st KYO Sports cum Wrestling Meet concludes

KOHIMa, JanuaRy 9 (MExn): The three day 51st Kidima Youth Organisation (KYO) Annual Sports cum Wrestling Meet 2016 which commenced on January 7 concluded at Kidima Local Ground today.

According to a press release, Edikunu Rikha from Makromi Cultural Society (MCS) was selected as best player for women’s volleyball while Kuzokhol Phinyo representing Virhatso Khathitso Society (VKS) was selected as the best player in men’s volleyball.

In men’s football, Kenongoto Thokhwe representing Temi Youth Club (TYC) won the award for highest soccer and best player.

MCS emerged women’s champion and TYC won runner’s up. VKS and MCS won the titles of champions and runners up in men’s volleyball. In men’s football, TYC

emerged champions while and Puchotso Kintso Club (PKC) bagged runners up.

Sahovi John Phinyo won the Naga Style Wrestling while Kediseto Kiso and Mezivil Kiso came second and third respectively.

Edikunu Rikha from MCS also won the women Individual award.

The best discipline team was awarded to TYC. Meanwhile, Urban Development Officer, Department of Urban Development, Wokha, Solesül Tholre, graced the Sports Meet as Chief Guest while Ketosü Soleho, Assistant Engineer, Medical Engineering, Kohima Division, was the Guest of Honour.

Free Style Wrestling was also held in different categories for selection to the Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) Meet, the press Makro Cultural Society Women’s Volleyball Champion of 51st Kidima Youth Organisarelease stated. tion Annual Sports cum Wrestling Meet 2016 posing with officials.

WADSA Wrestling Meet from January 13

Vekutho is Phek wrestling champ KOHIMa, JanuaRy 9 (MExn): The 42nd wrestling meet of Phek Wrestling Association took place at Phek village with MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu as the chief guest. Vekutho Soho emerged as champion while Kuliiveto Venuh, Putuzo and Veta Soho stood 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively in Team A category. The four winners along with Zhoveku, Amuku Venuh, Seshii Venuh and Surhonieyi Soho will represent the PWA at the forthcoming Phek area wrestling meet. In team B category, Mutuhii Venuh, Shelutso Soho, Kiiliivezo Soho and Savoto Rhakho stood 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

Er. Zale Neikha, president Southern Angami Sports Association (SASA) and others pose for lens with winners during Rachii Youth Organization (RYO) wrestling meet on January 9. Winners: Junior category: 1st - Kezevipi Sothu, 2nd- Vidito Noswe, 3rdZayiel Pusa. Senior category:1st- Nothure Neikha, 2nd- Tepudi Neikha, 3rd- Zhavito Rhutso.

Russell Kyrgios leads Australia to Hopman title Sammy, expelled from WICB

PERTH, JanuaRy 9 (aFP): Australians Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova beat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Alexandr Dolgopolov to win the mixed teams Hopman Cup in Perth on Saturday.

For the first time, the host nation fielded two teams in the tournament, and Kyrgios and Gavrilova went through the week unbeaten as Australia Green, culminating in their 2-0 win over Ukraine to give Australia their second Hopman Cup title.

Both players won their singles matches in the final in straight sets, with the mixed doubles not being played.

For both Australians, who have known each other for several years, it was a milestone tournament win.

Kyrgios collected his first senior ITF tournament title just four months after he was dumped from the Davis Cup team for the semi-final against Great Britain.

Gavrilova was representing her adopted country for the first time, having been naturalised last month.

"It means a lot, it is my first real title to have won," Kyrgios said. "It is the perfect way to start the year, I haven't lost a match yet and I am riding a lot of confi-

suitable by the Badminton Association of India officials owing to poor lighting and lack of wooden flooring for the warm-up courts.

National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand was to fly to Shillong yesterday from New Delhi to inspect the venue at the Meghalaya capital but could not do that as his flight was cancelled due to foggy conditions at the National Capital.

Gopichand was to inspect the venue on January 13 but the matter has already been resolved.

Daria Gavrilova (L) and Nick Kyrgios of Australia hold the Hopman Cup after winning the 2016 tournament against Ukraine in Perth, Western Australia, January 9. (REUTERS)

dence into the Australian summer. "I have known Dasha for a long time and it is pretty special." Gavrilova could scarcely believe her luck.

"It is the biggest event I have ever won and just representing Australia for the first time and winning this title straight away

is amazing," she said.

The pair were just one point from being eliminated from the tournament when they faced a match point against France in the deciding mixed doubles on Friday night, however they were in total control in the final.

In the opening match, the

women’s singles, world number 36 Gavrilova upset the 19thranked Svitolina in straight sets, courtesy of a stunning finish to the second set tiebreak.

The pair have played doubles together, and the familiarity with each other’s games was evident in a fluctuating match.

Having taken the first set Gavrilova twice found herself up a break in the second and served for the match at 5-4.

However, Svitolina then appeared to have the set in her keeping when she led 6-1 in the tiebreak, only for the Australian to peel off the next seven points in succession for an unexpected win, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6).

"I just told myself I was going to play a third set, so I just played free," Gavrilova explained.

It was Svitolina’s first singles loss of the week, having posted three previous victories.

Kyrgios then used his booming serve to good effect to cruise past Dolgopolov, who had also been unbeaten in singles, in just under an hour, 6-3, 6-4, and claim the final.

Australia’s only previous title was when Mark Phillippoussis teamed with teenager Jelena Dokic in 1999, while Ukraine have been beaten twice in the Hopman Cup final, previously in 1995.

new contracts list

ST. JOHn'S (anTIgua), JanuaRy 9 (IanS): Star West Indies players Darren Sammy, Andre Russell, Sulieman Benn, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Dwayne Bravo were not included in the list of new contracted players issued by the Carribean cricket board for the 2015-2016 period. Swashbuckling batsman Chris Gayle, who had previously turned down national contracts several times, including last year, is not on the list of centrally contracted players which was increased from 12 to 15.

Spinner Sunil Narine, who had also turned down a contract last year and is currently suspended from bowling in internationals due to an illegal action, also does not feature on the list which was released by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Friday.

The contracts was issued for the period from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016, include several new batsmen who have debuted in Test over the past year and a half, including Jermaine Blackwood, Leon Johnson, Shane Dowrich, Shai Hope and Rajendra Chandrika.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo was also added, as well as fast bowlers Shannon Gabriel and Sheldon Cottrell.

WICB's contracted players for 2015-16: Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite, Rajendra Chandrika, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Devendra Bishoo, Shannon Gabriel, Jermaine Blackwood, Jerome Taylor, Sheldon Cottrell, Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich, Leon Johnson and Kemar Roach.

KOHIMa, JanuaRy 9 (MExn): The Western Angami ‘D’ Group Sports Association (WADSA) 43rd Wrestling Meet is scheduled from January 13-14 at Kiruphema Bawe Ground.

The inaugural function would be graced by Rovilatuo Mor, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, as the chief guest, while the Satuo Sechü, president, Western Angami ‘D’ Group Organisation (WADGO) will be the guest of honour for the closing ceremony, a press release received here informed.

Over 50 wrestlers, including seniors and juniors (Under-14), from Sechüma, Sechü Zubza, Kiruphema, Menguzouma and Thekrejuma villages would be taking part in the two-day wrestling event.

The winner of the wrestling championship will win a cash award of Rs. 20,000, while the 1st runner-up will receive Rs. 15,000. The third and fourth place winners will also be given Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 7,000 respectively.

There will also be prizes for Junior Category Wrestling and Freestyle Wrestling.

Meanwhile, WADSA officials have informed all the units to reach the hosting venue on January 12. The units are also asked to come prepared with an entry fee of Rs. 3,000 each, along with two flags.

It has been informed that there will be a meeting on January 12 evening comprising WADSA office bearers, wrestling officials and unit representatives. The units have also been informed to come prepared with the birth certificates for the four junior wrestlers.

T Khel overall champion at 62nd KVSA meet 2016 KOHIMa, JanuaRy 9 (MExn): T. Khel emerged as the overall champion at the 62nd KVSA Meet 2016 which concluded at Local Ground, Kohima on Saturday.

T. Khel bagged 19 Gold to stand first in medal tally.

D. Khel followed with 15 Gold while L. Khel and P. Khel bagged 8 and 5 Gold respectively.

The final day also witnessed the wrestling competition and Cross Country Race.

Gracing the closing ceremony as Guest of honour Nagaland Football Association (NFA) President P. Atuo Mezhur asserted that there are lots of talents amongst the Nagas and called upon the sportspersons to explore their talent in a professional manner. He also said that a sportsperson can earn their livelihood through the sports events he or she plays. He later gave away the prizes.

A special song was presented by Keneisedenuo Zatsu and friends. The next 63rd KVSA meet will take place in 2018.

Medal tally

T.Khel – 19 Gold medal – 13 Silver medal – 9 Bronze medal – Total =41 D.Khel – 15 Gold medal – 6 Silver medal – 8 Bronze medal – Total =29 L.Khel – 8 Gold medal – 18 Silver medal – 3 Bronze medal – Total =29 P.Khel – 5 Gold medal – 10 Silver medal – 4 Bronze medal – Total =19

Sunday 10•1•2016

EntErtainmEnt

Balmain reunites Cindy, Claudia and Naomi for epic new campaign Justin Bieber kicked out of Mayan site for misbehaving

S

inger Justin Bieber and his friends including rumoured girlfriend Hailey Baldwin, were thrown out of the sacred ruins in Tulum, Mexico for misbehaving.

Bieber and his gang reportedly climbed the beach side archaeological site and pulled down their pants for a selfie on Thursday.

"I can confirm to you that Mr. Bieber was kicked out of the Tulum archaeological site yesterday," Adriana Velazquez-Morlet, director of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), told etonline.com. "He and his mates pulled his pants down and insulted our staff at the site."

Visitors are warned not to climb on some of the ruins, which was built in the

13th century, because they could be unstable. Security told them to stand down but Bieber reportedly yelled at them.

Bieber's party also arrived at the site with beer, which is prohibited.

Police were called but Bieber left before they could intervene.

"We have a very strict policy of conservation and respect of the Mexican cultural heritage that applies equally to all our visitors, whether or not they're famous," Velazquez-Morlet added.

Bieber has been vacationing in Mexico with Baldwin.

The "Sorry" singer made no reference to the incident but tweeted on Friday, "Great times today."

I

t's a holy trinity if ever we saw one; Balmain has reunited three of the original 'Supers' for its latest campaign.

Naomi Campbell, 45, Cindy Crawford, 49, and Claudia Schiffer, also 45, star in the black-and-white images, shot by famed photographer Steven Klein, which were revealed via the French fashion house's Instagram account today.

The three beauties were selected by 30-year-old creative director Olivier Rousteing, who went some way to explaining the reasoning behind their casting on his personal Instagram account by captioning the images with the following: "U made me love FASHION yesterday , U make me love FASHION today , and U re going to make me Love FASHION in the FUTURE [sic]."

Rousteing is well known for his love of using famous faces in his campaigns - previous stars to feature include Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Kendall and Kylie Jenner and Gigi and Bella Hadid.

Each of the nine images from the campaign posted to the Balmain Instagram account have so far received upwards of 18,000 'likes' and have garnered hundreds of comments collectively.

Schiffer, Crawford and Campbell were three of the six supermodels' that came to define the fashion world in the Nineties, joined by Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Tatjana Patitz.

Crawford and Campbell also famously featured in George Michael's iconic Freedom! '90 music video alongside Evangelista, Turlington and Patitz.

With the exception of Patitz, all have remained highprofile models.

The Parisian brand enjoyed a stellar year in 2015 thanks to a sell-out collaboration with H&M - and if this is anything to go by 2016 is set to be even more exciting.

One Direction will appear on 'Family Guy' Saroj Khan working

on Hollywood project

V

C M Y K

O

ne Direction stars are getting animated for a guest appearance on hit cartoon comedy "Family Guy". The "Story of My Life" singers will gather around a fire

for a camping scene with troublesome cartoon baby Stewie, voiced by series creator Seth MACFarlane. But not all the boys have lines in the scene - only Liam Payne and Louis Tomlin-

son recorded their voice for the episode, according to reports.

"There are not a lot of shows that, in the same season, feature gueststar appearances by both

I am getting offered amazing roles: RaNveeR SINgh

R

anveer Singh is on a different high.

The actor whose performance as Bajirao in the hit Bajirao Mastani garnered him nationwide applause is pleased as punch. Making a dashing entry at the red carpet of Screen Awards on Friday (January 8) evening, Ranveer Singh told us that great roles are now coming his way post Bajirao

Mastani.

“I am getting offered amazing roles. I feel blessed and thankful that Bajirao has done phenomenally well. I am getting to collaborate with some great filmmakers and great roles are coming my way. Characters getting hard to choose now.” (PHOTOS: Screen Awards 2016: Sonam, Ranveer, Sonakshi, Shilpa

are head turners) Ranveer Singh also clarified that apart from Befikre he has not signed any other projects yet.

Speaking about Befikre, Ranveer said, “I am waiting for my hair to grow. We start shooting in Paris in a couple of months from now.”

Ranveer Singh won Best Actor award for Bajirao Mastani.

Frank Sinatra, Jr and One Direction," executive producers Richard Appel and Steve Callaghan said in a statement. "And we really enjoyed their time with us, until we realized we were

both old enough to be their fathers." One Direction's "Family Guy" debut, in which Stewie scares the lads with a tale about nonskinny jeans, will air in May (16)

eteran choreographer Saroj Khan is currently busy working in an untitled Hollywood project."I'm currently working on a Hollywood film, I have to reserve myself only for them. They haven't named the film yet. It's the story of three men who knew Gandhi is going to get killed but they didn't help and didn't stop that. I'm doing the choreography for that," Saroj Khan said during an event at N.M. College in Mumbai.

Saroj Khan is often credited for taking the dancing capabilities of actresses Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi to another level.

Some of her fellow choreographers have also started donning the director's hat -- like Farah Khan and Remo D'Souza.

"Gulaab Gang" and "Tanu Weds Manu Returns" are some of her recent projects. On whether direction was on her mind, she said: "I want to ask just one question: Do you open your bonnet when your car is running? So why should I open the bonnet in a running car?" "I would do it (direction) when my work is reduced...," she said.

Susan Sarandon named L'Oréal Paris Ambassador

J

oining the likes of Blake Lively, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Lopez in her new role, Susan will be the spokeswoman for the Age Perfect skin care and hair colour range.

"The brand has always been a leader in helping in the empowerment and development of women," the 69-yearold beamed in a statement. "The very first time I heard 'Because I'm Worth It' (the brand's motto), it definitely was a shift in the framing of why you should look good. It had to do with women becoming the master of their own lives and decisions.

"It's an extremely powerful statement that has transcended time.

Beauty comes from the inside; it's a state of mind. I'm proud to be a part of their message and to represent the L'Oréal Paris woman." And just like

her fellow ambassador Helen Mirren, Susan is known for her natural beauty and embracing the ageing process not fighting it with endless rounds of preventative measures.

"I look forward to being older, when what you look like becomes less and less an issue, and what you are is the point," she explained. Picking Susan for the role ahead of her peers was an easy choice for L'Oréal, with brand bosses valuing her work away from the screen just as much as her acting roles.

"Susan is a cinematic icon," Cyril Chapuy, L'Oréal Paris brand global president, smiled. "She is strong, charismatic and talented, and has a compelling sense of self. Her outspoken activism, captivating film work and authentic charm continue to inspire women to be fearless and believe in their convictions."

Hillstar NOW SHOWING

11:00 AM | 05:00 pm | 08:00 Pm

Alanis Morissette becomes Advice Columnist

S

inger Alanis Morissette has signed on to be an Advice Columnist for Britain's Guardian.

The Ironic star will answer readers' questions in her weekly column, which will appear in the Guardian Weekend magazine from 16 January (16).

Alanis insists she is good at giving advice be-

cause she grew up listening to other people's problems, adding, "Parents, brothers, even extended family members, that was the role I took on, because I suppose I had this combination of intuition and empathy. I cut my teeth, basically, listening for a living.

"I'm definitely a therapy girl. I think that's quite

obvious... I don't want to say everyone should (have therapy), but do I think everyone might benefit from it? Yes. But I'm aware that a lot of people have great resistance to it." The singer, who takes over the role from actress Molly Ringwald, already writes wellbeing tips for her official website.

0200 PM

12

sunDAY 10•01•2016

SPORTS

THE MORUNG EXPRESS

NBA: Spurs edge Knicks to Azarenka maintain home win streak

storms to Brisbane title

San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard, front center, drives to the basket against the New York Knicks during the first half of an NBA basketball game on January 8, in San Antonio. (AP Photo)

C M Y K

Los angeLes, January 9 (aFP): Kawhi Leonard scored 19 points and grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat the New York Knicks 100-99 for their 22nd consecutive victory at home this season.

The win at San Antonio's AT&T Center was the seventh straight overall for the Spurs and allowed them to stay unbeaten at home. They turned up the heat at the start of the fourth quarter and then held on for the victory, which extended their winning streak to 31 games dating to the final nine home games of 2014-15.

First place San Antonio led 79-74 after three quarters, but began the final quarter with seven straight points to give them some breathing room in a contest that included eight lead changes.

New York made a late push in the last five-and-a-half minutes, slashing the lead to one point on Kristaps Porzingis' alleyoop dunk with 32 seconds to play.

San Antonio guard Tony Parker missed a shot with 16 seconds left opening the door for the Knicks to shoot for the victory.

But New York guard Jose Calderon's threepoint attempt with 0.08 seconds to go rattled off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

"We got a good shot, and that was the most important thing, no matter who took the shot," Knicks coach Derek Fisher said.

San Antonio is just the second Western Conference team in history to open a season 22-0 at home, joining Portland, which won its first 26 home games in 1977-78.

The Spurs got 16 points apiece from reserve guard Manu Ginobili, forward LaMarcus Aldridge and Parker.

Rookie Porzingis paced the Knicks attack. He tallied a game-high 28 points with a variety of shots and pulled down 11 rebounds.

"(Porzingis) is a hell of a young player," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

Forward Carmelo Anthony added 20 points and 12 rebounds for New York while center Robin Lopez scored 12 points, reserve guard Langston Galloway scored 11, and forward Lance Thomas had 10 points.

- Cavs win sixth straight J.R. Smith scored a season-high 27 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers won their sixth straight game with a 125-99 victory over the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center arena in Minnesota.

Forward Kevin Love added 20 points and nine rebounds. Love was playing just his second game in Minnesota since a trade that saw him go to Cleveland for Canadian star Andrew Wiggins in 2014.

Wiggins led the Timberwolves with 35 points. It is the fifth time in his career he has scored at least 30 and the second time in three games against the Cavaliers, who selected him with the first pick in the 2014 NBA entry draft.

"I think both sides are happy with what happened," Cavaliers star LeBron James said. "We're happy with having Kev and I know they're happy with having Wiggins, so that's all that matters."

Minnesota has lost four straight games and nine of its last 10 overall.

- Diving Davis injures back Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi scored 17 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked a career-high four shots as his team overcame a season-high 24 turnovers to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 91-86 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

The Pelicans played most of the game without all-star forward Anthony Davis, who injured his lower back diving into the courtside seats for a loose ball three minutes into the contest.

Bagan start I-League title defence with win

KoLKaTa, January 9 (ians): Defending champions Mohun Bagan made easy work of newcomers Aizawl Football Club to win the inaugural match of the new I-League season 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday.

Bagan's newest recruit, Trinidadian marksman Cornell Glen scored a brace and striker Balwant Singh netted the other. Defender Pritam Kotal scored an owngoal to get Aizawl FC on the score sheet.

The champions got off to an explosive start with Glen creating opportunities from the outset. He grabbed the opener (fifth minute) for his team by slotting the ball home after receiving it from the left flank. The early jolt was a setback for the visitors and the game lost its tempo for a few minutes. Aizwal regrouped and tried to get the equaliser.

Kotal helped them in the 17th minute as he only managed to find the back of his own net in an attempt to clear a shot from rival striker Alfred Jaryan.

But Aizawl's joy was short lived as the 'Mariners' poured forward and scored their second of the evening with Glen

striking once again in the 22nd minute.

It was a classic counter-attack goal.

Balwant darted forward with the ball from the left and then found Glen with a precise pass. The burly striker twisted, turned and then hammered the ball past the Aizawl custodian.

At the 29th minute mark it was Balwant's turn to earn his reward. The striker once again used his blistering pace to run past defenders and then found the bottom corner of the net with a crisp right-footer.

At half time Bagan led 3-1.

After the restart, Bagan relied more on their defence and there was a reluctance to push forward. It nearly cost them in the 52nd minute as defender Kingshuk Debnath almost produced another own-goal.

His clearance just fizzed wide of his own citadel.

Three minutes later three Bagan defenders were pressed into action for clearing a danger.

The visitors tried hard in the last few minutes with efforts grazing the post and a few free-kicks but the Bagan defence did not give way.

BrisBane, January 9 (reuTers): Victoria Azarenka displayed the form that could lead her to a hattrick of Australian Open titles this month by brushing aside German fourth seed Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-1 in the Brisbane International final on Saturday.

The former world number one has been plagued by injury over the last two years but, now ranked 22nd, she showed little sign of rust on her way to a second Brisbane crown.

The Belarusian dropped 17 games over five matches during the tournament to claim her first title since the Cincinnati Masters in August 2013.

The 26-year-old, who won her maiden Brisbane title in 2009, took control of the match against world number 10 Kerber after an early trade of breaks and peppered the court with her powerful groundstrokes.

"I'm not sure I feel relief," Azarenka told reporters. "I wanted to win the title, but I didn't feel, if this

doesn't happen the world is going to end.

"I just feel really excited and happy that I'm doing the right things. I'm excited to keep working hard.

"It just gives extra motivation to keep working hard and achieve better things."

Kerber, the highest seed left after the withdrawals of Maria Sharapova, Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza, had three break points in the opening game of the second set but once Azarenka fended them off, she did not look back.

"I don't know, but for me it's always tough to play against her," Kerber said after her sixth loss against Azarenka.

"I hope one day will come where I can beat her.

"Vika was the better player today, that's all that I can say."

Azarenka won back-toback Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013 and has reached the U.S. Open final twice, losing both to world number one Serena Williams

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates with the winner's trophy after defeating Angelique Kerber of Germany in the women's singles final at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament in Brisbane, Australia, January 9. (REUTERS)

Sania-Martina clinch Brisbane International

BrisBane, January 9 (ians): The world's top women tennis pair of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis started the New Year on a brilliant note by clinching the women's doubles title of the $1 million Brisbane International at the Queensland Tennis Centre here on Saturday.

The top seeded pair took just an hour and 10 minutes to beat German wild card pair of Angelique Kerber, who lost the women's singles final earlier in the day to Victoria Azarenka of Belarus, and Andrea Petkovic 7-5, 6-1 at the Pat Rafter Arena.

This is the Indo-Swiss pair's 26th win in a row and the first title of 2016. They have now won six titles on the trot -- the longest winning streak in the category since the 1994 season when Gigi Fernandez and Natasha Zvereva were on a 28 match-winning streak.

Also, this is the 29-yearold Sania's second victory here after partnering American Bethanie Mattek-Sands all the way to the title in 2013 while Martina was the defending champion, having sealed the crown with German Sabine Lisicki last year.

The world's top ranked combine took off well by

The pair took their 26th win in a row as they won the title in Brisbane.

breaking their opponents in the second game to go 2-0 up. But the wild card pair fought well and broke Sania and Martina twice to take a 4-2 lead.

The first set turned out to be quite topsy-turvy with both pairs regularly failing to hold on to their service games. However, Sania and Martina first levelled the score at 4-all and then won on their serve to take a 5-4 lead one more time in the set.

Serving at 5-6 down and trying to push the set

into the tie-breaker, Angelique and Andrea failed to do so with the top seeds taking the set in 46 minutes.

Unlike the vigorously fought first set, the second one turned out to be more or less a walkover with Sania and Martina racing away to a 5-0 lead. The German girls somehow managed to win the sixth game on their serve but it was a little too late as the IndoSwiss pair clinched the crown with ease in the next few minutes..

Champion Federer sets up Raonic final in Brisbane

BrisBane, January 9 (reuTers): Defending champion Roger Federer will meet big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic in the final of the Brisbane International after the Swiss top seed dismantled rising Austrian talent Dominic Thiem 6-1 6-4 on Saturday.

Federer left his opponent and the centre court crowd stunned as he charged to a 5-0 lead at the Pat Rafter Arena before encountering stiffer resistance from his 22-year-old opponent as the match progressed at the Australian Open warm-up.

The youngest player in the top 20, Thiem shrugged off the first set horror show to unleash some exquisite backhand winners in the second that had the Swiss master nodding approval.

Federer's serve was bullet-proof during the clutch moments, however, and the world number three closed out the contest with a booming ace on his second match point.

Federer, who will be contesting his third consecutive Brisbane final and is one victory away from an 89th ATP title, hailed his "best match" of

the tournament.

"I really thought I hit the ball very well," the evergreen 34-year-old, lathered in sweat from the muggy Brisbane heat, said in a courtside interview.

"I'm very excited to be back in the final again...

It's a great start to the season and I'm very happy."

Raonic earlier won a battle of big servers to down local contender Bernard Tomic 7-6(5) 7-6(5) in the first semi.

Both players held their serve throughout the contest but it was the Canadian who took control in the tiebreaks, jumping out to early leads on each occasion.

After Tomic won four straight points to make it 5-5 in the second set tiebreak, Raonic whipped a forehand winner down the line to bring up match point.

He closed out the contest in style, lunging for a cross-court backhand volley to end Tomic's solid run at the tournament, which included an upset win over world number eight Kei Nishikori.

"It was a great match today, a difficult one against Bernie. He's been playing so well, I know he's going to do great things this year," Raonic said.

FIFA panel tells Blatter, Platini why they were banned

ZuriCH, January 9 (reuTers): FIFA's ethics panel said on Saturday it had formally given outgoing President Sepp Blatter and European soccer head Michel Platini the reasons for their eight-year bans from the game, information both men could use in an appeal.

Blatter and Platini were banned last month amid the worst corruption scandal in the history of world soccer's governing body.

"After receiving the grounds for the decisions, both officials may lodge an appeal with the FIFA Appeal Committee," the adjudicatory chamber of the ethics committee said in a statement, without giving details on the information it sent.

A lawyer for Platini, suspended head of European soccer body UEFA, said he would appeal. Platini with-

File photo of FIFA President Sepp Blatter speaks with UEFA President Michel Platini (L) before the 2014 World Cup Group G soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Fonte Nova arena in Salvador June 16, 2014. (REUTERS)

drew from the race to succeed Blatter this week..

"We will immediately lodge an appeal with the FIFA appeal committee, before going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as soon as possible," Platini lawyer Thibaud d'Ales told Reuters in Paris.

He added that "the FIFA appeal committee being a FIFA body, we do not have high hopes that making an appeal there will change things".

Platini had initially been seen as the favourite to replace Blatter in the Feb. 26 election.

D'Ales said FIFA had now completely dropped accusations of corruption and only talks about "a possible conflict of interest and lack of loyalty".

"We will fight these arguments strongly," he said.

Blatter and Platini were both banned over a payment of 2 million Swiss francs ($2 million) made to the Frenchman by FIFA with Blatter's approval in 2011 for work done a decade earlier.

The committee said the payment, made at a time when Blatter was seeking re-election, lacked transparency and presented conflicts of interest, though both men denied wrongdoing. The sport faces criminal investigations in Switzerland and the United States, where 41 soccer officials and sports entities have been indicted on corruption charges.

Published, Printed and Edited by AkĂźm Longchari on behalf of Morung for Indigenous Affairs and JustPeace from House No. 4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur at Themba Printers and Telecommunications, Padum Pukhuri Village, Dimapur, Nagaland.

RNI No : NAGENG /2005/15430. House No.4, Duncan Bosti, Dimapur 797112, Nagaland. Phone: Dimapur -(03862) 248854, Fax: (03862) 235194, Kohima - (0370) 2291952

For news email: morung@gmail.com and for advertisements and circulation contact: (03862) 248854, Fax-235194 or email : morungad@yahoo.com

PO Reg No. NE/RN-722